By T. Ezekiel Geeplay
MONROVIA, Mar. 1 (LINA) – The Minister of Mines and Energy, (MME) Wilmot Paye, has assured the public of his institution’s commitment to putting in place stronger and proper regulation mechanism in the mining sector of the country, aimed at fostering sustainable mining in the country.
Speaking at an intercessory program for the promotion of reconciliation amongst Gold and Diamond Brokers and Dealers on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Monrovia, the MME boss called on actors in the mining sector to get involved with sustainable mining techniques to enhance the growth and development of the sector.
Minister Paye asserted that Liberia still has a big opportunity of developing its mining sector, stressing that the country can still boast of some of the world’s most needed mineral resources.
He maintained that once the proper regulations are put in place followed by implementation, the country will benefit a lot from the mining sector.
According to Minister Paye, when the appropriate measures are put in place, the mining sector has the potential to produce funds needed to solve Liberia’s energy problems.
Minister Paye expressed belief that given the potential and capacity of the mineral sector, it can generate funds needed to ensure a vibrant health sector and service other cross-cutting national development priorities in the country.
Meanwhile, Minister Paye noted that to achieve such economic freedom and break away from foreign aid or donor dependency, the Ministry (MME) and Government at large, need collaborative efforts from the Miners, Brokers, Dealers and every Liberian residing in various parts of the Country.
Meanwhile, Minister Paye assured the Diamond Brokers and Dealers of the Government of Liberia’s fullest support aimed at improving the sector.
Hence, Minister Paye intoned that his administration has the marching order to streamline the sector and make sure those involved with mineral extraction in the country are in full compliance with the rules and regulations governing the sector.
However, he called on the Miners, Brokers and Dealers to come to the sector with utmost honesty and willingness to be law abiding, while also calling on community residents across the Country to discourage all forms of illicit and illegal mining.
He argued that illicit mining activities exploit and abuse the mineral sector that is intended to support national development.
Also, Minister Wilmot Paye disclosed plans of the Government of Liberia to convene a National Mineral Conference this year.
He asserted that such a conference aims to solicit the collective inputs of all mineral sector actors in the country with the determination to move the sector forward.
For his part, Diamond Dealers President, Mustapha Tunkara, in a brief remark, called for unity and harmonious coexistence amongst Brokers, and Dealers.
He stressed the importance of non-political mindset and approaches in their business activities in the mineral sector, as a means of positively contributing to the economy.
