Monrovia, October 29, 2025 – Liberia has announced the appointment of R. Matenokay Tingban as its new Minister of Mines, replacing Wilmot J.M. Paye, as the West African nation seeks to attract increased foreign investment into its critical minerals sector, according to the office of President Joseph Boakai.

Tingban, who previously served as Deputy Mining Minister under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will also oversee reforms aimed at enhancing governance and efficiency within the ministry. A separate statement on Tuesday named a new head for Liberia’s state mining regulator, further signaling the government’s commitment to improving transparency and investor confidence.

Liberia’s Strategic Minerals and U.S. Engagement

Liberia is home to significant deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, and rare earth minerals, which are crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The timing of these ministerial changes coincides with ongoing discussions between Liberia and the United States on expanding U.S. investment in the country’s mining sector.

On October 17, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Liberian Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti in Washington to discuss opportunities for American participation in Liberia’s minerals industry, reflecting growing international interest in the country’s strategic resources.

Boosting Investor Confidence Through Governance

Tingban will play a key role in implementing initiatives under President Boakai’s “ARREST Agenda”, a five-year national development strategy focused on economic growth, transparency, and private sector investment. The appointment of new deputies in both the mines and education ministries further demonstrates the government’s broader reform agenda, although some of these appointments still require Senate confirmation.

Liberia’s Mineral Industry Landscape

Iron ore remains Liberia’s top mineral export, with ArcelorMittal operating the largest mine and rail network in the country. In recent years, gold has emerged as a significant contributor to Liberia’s foreign exchange earnings. Other notable players in the sector include Ivanhoe Mines, Bea Mountain Mining Corp (Avesoro), MNG Gold, and Hummingbird Resources.

Analysts believe that the combination of ministerial reforms, improved governance, and international partnerships could significantly strengthen Liberia’s position in the global critical minerals market, especially as demand for EV and renewable energy minerals continues to rise.