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Liberia

Legislation

  • Minerals and Mining Law 2000
  • Exploration Regulations 2010
  • Environment Protection and Management Law 2002

Regulatory Risk Rating

Severe
Regulatory Risk

Regulatory Corruption Risk

Very High
Regulatory Corruption Risk

Corruption Exposure Risk

Moderate
Corruption Exposure Risk
Regulatory Risk Rating Factors Risk Level
First Come / First Serve Subscribe
Application Criteria Subscribe
Duration Subscribe
Right to Renew Subscribe
Competing Licences Subscribe
Mineral Coverage Subscribe
Right to Mine Subscribe
Criteria for Mining Rights Subscribe
Tenure Subscribe
Surface Rights Subscribe
Government Take Subscribe
Transfer Rights Subscribe
Change of Control Subscribe
EIA Process Subscribe
Power to Revoke Subscribe
Age of Legislation Subscribe
Other Factors Subscribe

Liberia’s legal framework is not at all sufficiently well-developed to regulate modern mineral projects and provides only the bare bones of a mining law regime. Though the country’s mineral policy describes broad ambitions for its mining sector, these will not be realised under the existing law unless comprehensive reform is undertaken. Engagement with government, the successful negotiation of a detailed and wide-ranging mineral development agreement and the guidance of local counsel will all be critical to positive investment outcomes in the country.

Contents

Legislation

  • Minerals and Mining Law 2000
  • Exploration Regulations 2010
  • Environment Protection and Management Law 2002

Regulatory Risk Rating

Severe
Regulatory Risk

Regulatory Corruption Risk

Very High
Regulatory Corruption Risk

Corruption Exposure Risk

Moderate
Corruption Exposure Risk

Overview

According to Liberia’s Mineral Policy, prior to the country’s civil wars, which lasted from 1989-2003, the mineral sector contributed more than 65% of export earnings and 25% of GDP. Throughout the civil war period, all major mines were closed and, where mining was taking place, it was mainly being used as a vehicle to finance warring factions. The country now has hopes to revitalise its natural resource sector, to underpin sustainable development and growth. Liberia is thought to have considerable mineral wealth – similar to that found in neighbouring countries. Traditionally, gold, iron ore and diamond production have formed the backbone of the mining industry, though industrial minerals and base metals are also thought to exist in reasonable quantities.

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