Mining, Minerals and Natural Resource Governance
An introduction to Liberia's mining and minerals framework, constitutional ownership of mineral resources and the relationship between mining, land and environmental law.
Mineral resources and the Constitution
Article 22 of the Constitution distinguishes land ownership from mineral resources. Private property rights do not extend to mineral resources beneath land; the Constitution provides that mineral resources belong to the Republic.
Minerals and Mining Law
The Minerals and Mining Law, approved in 2000, forms part of the statutory framework for mining activity. Regulations, licences, policies and sector-specific requirements can supplement the primary law.
Land rights are not the same as mineral rights
Owning or holding rights in land does not automatically confer ownership of minerals beneath it. Mining activity can therefore involve separate questions of mineral licensing, land access, community interests, environmental protection and compensation.
Environmental and community considerations
Mining projects can also engage environmental legislation, environmental-impact processes and community-related legal frameworks.
Use current regulatory material
The legal and regulatory framework can change. Anyone considering exploration, mining or a transaction involving mineral rights should verify the current requirements with the responsible public authorities and obtain specialised advice.