Current & Pipeline Mining Projects
Iron Ore — The Engine of Growth
Iron ore remains the anchor sector of Liberian mining, with cumulative investment of more than US$3.5 billion representing the largest foreign direct investment in Liberia’s post-war history. A state-of-the-art 20 Mt/year concentrator was inaugurated in June 2025, and shipments are projected to reach 20 Mt in 2026. A new Mineral Development Agreement extends the principal concession to 2050.
Additional iron ore producers are expected to come on stream in 2026, potentially pushing total national output to between 25 and 30 million tonnes per year.
The Cross-Border Rail & Mining Corridor
A landmark transnational initiative is developing an iron ore corridor connecting Guinea’s Nimba mountains to Liberia’s Port of Buchanan via a rehabilitated 243-kilometre heavy rail line. Phase 1 construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, creating approximately 2,000 jobs at peak.
Gold — Rising Production
Gold output is set to rise with the ramp-up of the Dugbe gold project — spanning approximately 1,410 km² with a resource estimate of 3.3 million ounces. A revised feasibility study is under way with a planned 2026 construction start.
Critical Minerals — The Next Frontier
Studies funded by China and concluded in 2025 have confirmed significant deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, neodymium, and uranium across Liberia. $3 billion in investment is projected from these discoveries alone, positioning Liberia at the forefront of the battery and technology supply chain.
Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining (ASGM)
Diamond mining through alluvial and artisanal methods is widespread, with Kimberley Process Origin Certificates enabling legal export. A landmark $32 million programme from GEF and AfDB is underway to reduce mercury use in artisanal gold mining.
Building a Sustainable Future
Liberia’s energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation. The Government has set an ambitious target of achieving at least 75% renewable energy in the national generation mix, supported by a National Energy Compact and major infrastructure projects.
Current & Recently Commissioned Projects
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Mount Coffee HPP | 88 MW of renewable capacity — fully rehabilitated and expanded with US$202 million in MCC support |
| LEEAP | EU-funded initiative (EUR 107 million) connecting 39,792 new customers |
| Transmission Line | 45km double-circuit 66kV line from Paynesville to Roberts International Airport |
| Solar PV + Battery | Hybrid systems installed at 39 health facilities across rural Liberia |
| CLSG Interconnector | Regional power trade link connecting Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea |
Pipeline & Upcoming Projects
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| 20 MW Solar (Mt Coffee) | First phase commissioning planned; first utility-scale solar IPP procurement initiated |
| Saint Paul 2 HPP | Feasibility study underway — tapping the river’s estimated 800 MW total potential |
| LESSAP Phase 2 | World Bank ($33 million): grid expansion, off-grid solar, private mini-grids |
| National Electrification Strategy | Accelerating 172 MW of renewables, total capacity to reach 266 MW |
| Solar IPP Programme | Competitive procurement for independent power producers |
| National Power Master Plan | Comprehensive least-cost plan to be finalised by June 2026 |
Investment Opportunities & Regulatory Framework
- Utility-scale solar IPP development
- Mini-grid development in rural counties
- Transmission & distribution infrastructure
- Off-grid solar home system distribution
- Energy storage / battery systems
- Power sector O&M and technical services
- National Energy Policy under revision (2025)
- Liberia Electricity Regulatory Commission established
- Cost-reflective tariff adjustments underway
- Solar IPP procurement framework launched
- Rural & Renewable Energy Agency active
- MCC Energy Compact defining sector targets