Liberia’s Minister of Mines and Energy is no longer in charge of handling applications for Mining licenses, a directive from President George Manneh Weah said on Thursday.
An Executive Mansion press release said the President has directed with immediate effect the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy, Mr. Gesler E. Murray to forward all applications for the issuance of Mining/Mineral Licenses to his Office for review prior to final approval.”
Section 5.1 of the New Mineral and Mining Law of Liberia gives the Mines and Energy Minister the power to grant reconnaissance license in line with prevailing regulations.
“All Prospective Dealers must write a letter of intent, addressed to the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy with the following documents attached: ü Two passport photographs; ü Business Registration from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; ü Partnership Agreement/Articles of Incorporation. ü Applicant must fill application form required for diamond dealership (new applicant only). Procedures for Obtaining Mineral Rights/License,” according to the Procedures for obtaining mining rights/License of the Mines Ministry.
The Executive Mansion says President Weah’s issued the directive the Mines and Energy Minister in a communication dated May 7, 2018.
The Liberian leader emphasized the need to safeguard the country’s natural resources for the benefit of all Liberians.
Among other procedures, the Mining law spells out a number of requirements people involved in the mining business must follow before being finally certified to operate in Liberia at various levels.
”26. 26 v Licensing, Application & Requirements Ø Business Registration from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ø Partnership Agreement/Articles of Incorporation; Applicants must provide a certificate from a recognized bank in Liberia confirming a capital of not less than $15,000.00 USD deposited with them as working capital. The bank statement should be RECENT; Payment of Dealership License Fee of $5,000.00 USD; Ø Obtain ID card at the cost of $100.00 USD. Procedures for Obtaining Mineral Rights/License Requirements for Gold Dealership,”” the requirements spell out.
In another development, President Weah has appointed Mr. Archibald Bernard as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Electricity Cooperation (LEC).
Mr. Bernard currently serves as the Legal Advisor to the Liberia leader.