Mineral and Mining Act 2000F

AN ACT ADOPTING NEW MINERAL AND MINING LAW
PART I, TITLE 23,

LIBERIAN CODE OF LAWS REVISED
Approved April 3, 2000
Presented by:
ADOLPHUS M. G. D. GLEEKIA
M. Tech/BSc. (Mining Engineering)
Published by:
Ministry Of Foreign Affairs
September 20, 2000
AN ACT ADOPTING NEW MINERAL AND MINING LAW
PART I, TITLE 23,
LIBERIAN CODE OF LAWS REVISED
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
CAPITOL BUILDING
MONROVIA, LIBERIA
4TH SESSION OF THE 51ST LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

SCHEDULE OF THE HOUSE’S ENROLLED BILL NO. 2 PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF
LIBERIA FOR EXECUTIVE APPROVAL.
TITLE OF BILL: “AN ACT ADOPTING NEW MINERALS AND MINING LAW”.
RECEIVED THIS 3rd DAY OF APRIL

A.D.. 2000, AT THE HOUR OF 1200 GMT
_________________________________________________________
PRESIDENT OF THE REPBLIC OF LIBERIA
AN ACT ADOPTING A NEW MINERALS AND MINING LAW
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PART 1. MINERALS AND MINING LAW
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1.1 Title
Section 1.2 Short Title
Section 1.3 Definitions
CHAPTER 2. OWNERSHIP OF MINERALS

Section 2.1 Property Rights in Minerals
Section 2.2 Mineralized Area
Section 2.3 Right of Ownership
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CHAPTER 3. ADMINISTRATION OF THE MINERALS AND MINING LAW
Section 3.1 Administration
Section 3.2 Authority to Investigate
Section 3.3 Minister’s Authority to Delegate
Section 3.4 Establishment of Minerals Technical Committee
Section3.5 Powers of Committee
CHAPTER 4. ELIGIBILITY FOR MINERAL RIGHTS

Section 4.1 Mineral Rights Required
Section 4.2 Persons Not Eligible for Mineral Rights
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CHAPTER 5. RIGHT TO CONDUCT EXPLORATION
Section 5.1 Reconnaissance License
Section 5.2 prospecting License
Section 5.3 Exploration License
Section 5.4 Exploration License Required
CHAPTER 6. RIGHT TO OPERATE MINES

Section 6.1 Mining License Required
Section 6.2 Construction
Section 6.3 Class C Mining License
Section 6.4 Class B Mining License
Section 6.5 Class A Mining License
Section 6.6 Mineral Development Agreement
Section 6.7 Provisions Common to All Mining Licenses
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CHAPTER 7. RIGHT TO OPERATE QUARRIES
Section 7.1 Right to Operate Quarry
Section 7.2 Eligibility
Section 7.3 Grant of Quarry License
CHAPTER 8. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Section 8.1 Protection of the Environment
Section 8.2 Restoration of Site
Section 8.3 Environmental Safeguard
Section 8.4 Environmental Impact Assessment Study
Section 8.5 Environmental Management Program
Section 8.6 Periodic Environmental Assessment
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CHAPTER 9. PROVISIONS COMMON TO ALL MINING LICENSES
Section 9.1 Development of National Mineral Resources
Section 9.2 Existing Rights
Section 9.3 Renewal
Section 9.4 Period to Vacate
Section 9.5 Extent of Mining License
Section 9.6 Boundaries to Be Identified
Section 9.7 Modifications
Section 9.8 Reporting
Section 9.9 Termination of Mineral Rights
Section 9.10 Government Right of Option to Installation when CLASS A Mining Incense
Terminates
Section 9.11 Surrender of Mineral Rights
Section 9.12 Holder’s Obligation to Government
Section 9.13 Extent of Surrender
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CHAPTER 9. PROVISIONS COMMON TO ALL MINING LICENSES
Section 9.14 Revocation of Mineral Rights
Section 9.15 Effectiveness of Revocation
Section 9.16 Date of Termination of Mineral Rights
Section 9.17 Assignment and Transfer of Mineral Rights
Section 9.18 Assignment as Security
Section 9.19 Condition for Transfer
Section 9.20 Force Majeure
Section 9.21 Force Majeure Defined
Section 9.22 Government Ownership of Equity
CHAPTER 10. PROTECTED ZONES

Section 10.1 Lands Not Subject To Mining Privileges
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CHAPTER 11. RIGHTS OF OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS OF LAND AFFECTED BY THIS LAW
Section 11.1 Rights Government by this Chapter
Section 11.2 Obligation to Observe this Law and Regulations
Section 11.3 Supremacy of Government’s Right
Section 11.4 Rights of Land Owners of Occupants of Land in Respect of Mineral Rights
Section 11.5 Procedure on Refusal of Land Owner to Grant Access to Land for Exploration
or Mining
Section 11.6 Specific Authorization Required
CHAPTER 12. PUBLIC USE OF CERTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED OR CONSTRUCTED

BY HOLDERS OR MINERAL RIGHTS
Section 12.1 Use of Infrastructure
Section 12.2 Fixed and Movable Assets
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CHAPTER 13. REGULATION OF RADIOACTIVE MINERALS
Section 13.1 Minister to Make Rules and Guidelines
Section 13.2 Obligation to Disclose
CHAPTER 14. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND WATERS AND GEOTHERMAL

DEPOSITS
Section 14.1 Prospecting/Exploration and Mining Rights
Section 14.2 Exploration Licenses for Underground Waters or Geothermal Deposits
Section 14.3 Operation Permit
Section 14.4 Specific Condition
Section 14.5 Perimeter of Prospecting/Exploration Permits
CHAPTER 15. TRADING AND DEALING IN GOLD, DIAMONDS AND OTHER PRECIOUS
MINERALS
Section 15.1 Trade in Gold and Diamonds Regulated
Section 15.2 Eligibility for Broker’s License
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CHAPTER 15. TRADING AND DEALING IN GOLD, DIAMONDS AND OTHER PRECIOUS
MINERALS
Section 15.3 Eligibility for Dealer’s License
Section 15.4 Trade and Dealership in Precious Stones and Minerals
Section 15.5 Sequence of Transaction
Section 15.6 Performance Bond
CHAPTER 16. INSPECTION AND SAFETY

Section 16.1 Safety Measures
Section 16.2 Danger and Accidents
Section 16.3 Report of Accidents
Section 16.4 Preservation of Accidents Scenes
Section 16.5 Obligation to Draw up Workplace Regulations
Section 16.6 Approval of Regulations
Section 16.7 Emergency
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CHAPTER 16. INSPECTION AND SAFETY
Section 16.8 Duty of Contractor
Section 16.9 Default
Section 16.10 Child Labor Prohibited
Section 16.11 Use of Explosives
Section 16.12 Application for an Explosives Permit
CHAPTER 17. FISCAL PROVISION

Section 17.1 Fees for Mine and Quarry Licenses
Section 17.2 Fees for Mineral Trading and Dealership
Section 17.3 Surface Rentals
Section 17.4 Mineral Royalties
Section 17.5 Income Taxes and other Taxes
Section 17.6 Government’s Right to Receive Royalties, Taxes and Dividends in Kind.
Section 17.7 Government’s Right to Purchase Licensees’ Production
Section 17.8 Incentive
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CHAPTER 18. MEASURES FOR THE PROMOTION OF MINING ACTIVITIES
Section 18.1 Scientific Investigation
Section 18.2 Minister’s Notice
Section 18.3 Establishment of Mineral Development Fund
Section 18.4 Source of Funding for the Mineral Development Fund
Section 18.5 Administration of the mineral Development Fund
CHAPTER 19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Section 19.1 Settlement of Disputes
CHAPTER 20. MISCELLANEOUS

Section 20.1 Indemnity for Damages
Section 20.2 Employment of Liberian Citizens
Section 20.3 Training of Liberian Citizens
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CHAPTER 20. MISCELLANEOUS
Section 20.4 Transfer of Technology
Section 20.5 Fundamental Rights
Section 20.6 Non-discrimination
Section 20.7 Government’s Right to Negotiate Trans-border Agreement
Section 20.8 Processing Rights
Section 20.9 Declaration
Section 20.10 Industrial Infrastructure
CHAPTER 21. REGULATIONS

Section 21.1 Regulations
Section 21.2 Power of Minister to Issue Regulations
Section 21.3 Minister to Consult
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CHAPTER 22. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
Section 22.1 Penalty
Section 22.2 Court
Section 22.3 Liability
Section 22.4 Reporting Offenses and Reports
Section 22.5 Search, Seizure, and Visits
Section 22.6 False Representation
Section 22.7 Other Offenses
Section 22.8 Offense of Possessing Precious Minerals
CHAPTER 23. TRANSITIONAL

Section 23. 1 Validity of Prior Mineral Rights
CHAPTER 24. EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 24.1 Effective Date
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AN ACT ADOPTING A NEW MINERAL AND MINING LAW

It is enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Liberia in
legislature Assembled:
Section 1. Chapter 5 and Chapter 6 of Title 24 Volume II of the Liberian Code
of Laws of 1956, Chapter 6 and Title 14 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised and all
Amendatory Acts thereto are hereby repealed, and there is hereby enacted in lieu thereof a New
Minerals and Mining Law, Part I of Title 23 of the Liberian Code of Laws Revised.
PART I. MINERALS AND MINING LAW

Section 1.1. Title
Section 1.2. Short Title
Section 1.3 Definition of Terms
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Section 1.1. Title
Section 1.2. Short Title
Section 1.3 Definition of Terms
Section 1.1.
Title. This Act constitutes Part I of Title 23 of the Liberian Code of Laws
Revised.
Section 1.2
Short Titles. This Act may be cited as the Minerals and Mining Law.
Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or
phrases shall have the indicated meaning:
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a. Additional Area: shall mean any unencumbered and adjoining are being a geological
relationship to the original Exploration Area.
b. Affiliate: shall mean a Person that controls, is controlled by or is under common control
with another person, “Control” shall mean the possession by one person of the power to
direct or administer the affairs of another person by virtue of the ownership of more than
fifty percent (50%) of the share capital or other equity in such person or by virtue of any
other right or power to direct and administer the affairs of such person.
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Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or phrases
shall have the indicated meaning:
c. Blind Trust: shall mean a Trust in which the settler or the creator of the trust places his
investment under the control of another independent trustee in order to avoid a conflict of
interest.
d. “Building and Industrial Minerals” shall mean barite, basalt, clay, dolomite, feldspar, gabbro,
granite, gravel, gypsum, laterite, limestone, mica, magnetite, marble, phosphate rock, sandstone,
beach sand, slate and talc when mined for use in Liberia for agricultural, building, road-
construction or industrial purposes and includes such other Minerals and aggregates of
Minerals as the Minister of Lands, Mines, & Energy may from time to time declare by notice
published in the Office Gazette of the Republic of Liberia to be Building and Industrial Minerals.
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e. “Commission” shall mean the National Investment Commission, an Agency of

Government established by Act of Legislature on September 19, 1979.
f. “Committee” shall mean the Mineral Technical Committee.
g. “Conciliation” shall mean the adjustment and settlement of a dispute in a friendly manner
so as to avoid a civil trial.
h. “Cooperative” shall mean an association of individual citizens of Liberia who are eligible
to hold any Mineral Right.
i. “Department” shall mean the Department of Mines within the Ministry.
j. “Deposit” shall mean any natural concentration of Minerals.
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k. “Development” shall mean all preparations for the Exploitation of Minerals including,
without limitation, the construction of installation of a mill or any other facility to be used
for the Mining, handling, milling and beneficiation or other processing of minerals.
l. “Eligible Applicant” shall mean a person eligible to receive a Mineral Right of the type
applied for pursuant to the provisions of section 4.2 of this law, and who has demonstrated
the technical and financial capacity required with respect to that Mineral Right.
m. “Environmental Commission” shall mean an agency of Government established to review

the coordination of environmental activities.
n. “Exploitation” shall mean the Mining or other extraction of Minerals from any Deposit.
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o. “Exploration” shall mean and include all surface, subsurface or depth investigation for
purposes of discovering the existence, location, quantity, quality, characteristics or
commercial value of Deposits of Minerals, including any geological, geophysical, and
remote sensing techniques, drilling, and laboratory testing and assays carried out in
connection with the foregoing activities.
p. “Exploration Area” shall mean an area subject to an Exploration License.
q. “Exploration License” shall mean a license acquired pursuant to Section 5.3 of this Law.
r. “First Production Date” shall mean the date the Operator is required to commence
Mining under this law.
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s. “‘Geothermal Deposit” shall mean a deposit enclosed in the earth from which energy can
be extracted in thermal form, particularly by using subsurface hot waters and the steam
contained within them.
t. “Government” shall mean the Government of the Republic of Liberia and all branches,
subdivisions, instrumentalities, authorities and agencies thereof.
u. “Holder” shall mean the holder of a Mineral Right under this Law.
v. “ICC” shall mean the International Chamber of Commerce.
w. “ICSID” shall mean the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.
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x. “Land” shall mean any land in the Republic including any creeks, streams, rivers, or bodies
of water (and their residue) contained on or within all such land.
y. “Landowner” shall mean a person who owns Land by legal title.
z. “Law” shall mean this Act and the Regulations.
aa. “Industrial Operation” shall mean mining employing large scale, heavy duty or earth
moving equipment.
ab. “MAO” shall mean the Mineral Appraisal Office within the Ministry.
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ac. “Mine” when used as a noun, shall mean any place, excavation or working at which
Operations involving Mining are conducted together with all buildings erections and other
improvements located on and affixed thereto, including a Quarry.
ad. “Mine” when used as a verb, shall mean to intentionally extract or win Minerals and
includes any Operations directly or indirectly incidental thereto.
ae. “Mineral” shall mean a naturally occurring element or compound having an orderly
internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form and physical
properties, formed by or subject to a geological process and including Building and
Industrial Minerals, but not including hydrocarbons.
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Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or phrases
shall have the indicated meaning:
af. “Mineral Development Agreement” shall mean an agreement entered into between the
Government and an eligible Applicant for a Class A Mining License that shall be effective and
binding upon the Republic when signed by the Persons described in Section 6.6(a) and
approved by the President of the Republic of Liberia.
ag. “Mineral Producer” shall mean a substance derived from a Mineral by Mining or processing.
ah. “Mineral Right” shall mean and include Reconnaissance License, a Prospecting License, an
Exploration License, a Mining License, or a Quarry License.
ai. “Mining License” shall have the meaning provided in Chapter 6.

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Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or phrases shall have the
indicated meaning:
aj. “Minister” shall mean the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy of the Republic and his or her
successors in office of function.
ak. “Ministry” shall mean the Ministry of Lands, Mines & Energy of the Republic.
al. “New Works” shall mean technical and technological improvements.
am.“Occupant of Land” shall mean any person who is in lawful possession of real property.
an. “Operation” shall mean any activity or process carried out pursuant to a Mineral Right.
ao. “Operation Permit” shall mean the right granted a person by the Minister to extract
groundwater.
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Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or phrases shall have
the indicated meaning:
ap. “Operator” shall mean the holder of Mineral Right engaged in Operations.
aq. “Ore” shall mean a natural aggregate of one or more minerals that can be exploited for profit.
ar. “Person” shall mean an individual, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation,
cooperative, trust estate, un-incorporated entity, government or state and any branch, sub-
division, instrumentality, authority or agency of any government or state.
as. “Production Area” shall mean an area subject to a Mining License.
at. “Prospecting” shall mean Exploration carried out pursuant to and in accordance with the
terms of a Prospecting License.
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Section 1.3 Definitions. As used in the Mineral And Mining Law, the following terms or phrases shall have
the indicated meaning:
au. “Prospecting License” shall mean a license acquired pursuant to Chapter 5.2 of this
Law.
av. “Quarry” shall mean an open working for the Mining or other extraction of Building and
Industrial Minerals.
aw. “Quarry License” shall mean a license acquired pursuant to Chapter 7 of this Law.
ax. “Radioactive Minerals” shall mean Minerals, which contain by weight at least one twentieth
of one percent (0.0005 or 1/20 x .01) of uranium or thorium or any combination of them and
include but are not limited to : 1) monazite sand and other ore containing thorium, and 2)
carnotite, pitchblende and other ores containing uranium.
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ay. “Reconnaissance” shall mean Exploration carried out pursuant to a Reconnaissance License.
az. “Reconnaissance License” shall mean a license acquired pursuant to Section 5.1 of this Law.
ba.“Regulations” shall mean regulations promulgated pursuant to Chapter 21.
bb.“Republic” shall mean the Republic of Liberia.
bc. “Small-Scale Operation” shall mean a Mining Operation other than an Industrial Operation.
bd.“Termination” shall mean the lapse of a Mineral Right by the expiry of its term, surrender by
the Holder or otherwise as provided by this Law.
CHAPTER 2. OWNERSHIP OF MINERALS
Section 2.1 Property Rights in Minerals.
Minerals on the surface of the ground or in the soil or subsoil, river, streams, watercourses,
territorial water and continental shell of Liberia are the property of the Republic and anything
pertaining to their exploration, Development, Mining, and export shall be governed by this Law.
Section 2.2 Mineralized Area.
Consistent with and subject to Chapter 10 of this Law, the Minister may declare an area in
which Minerals have been discovered to be a “Mineralized Area” and may cause any unallocated
mineral Rights therein to be awarded pursuant to the provision of this Law.
Section 2.3 Right of Ownership.
Holders of Minerals Rights shall acquire ownership of and title to the Minerals they extract by
mining pursuant to this Law.
Section 3.1 Administration.
Subject to, and in keeping with the provisions of this Law, the minister shall be responsible to
see that this Law, and the Regulations, shall be so administered as to achieve their purposes
and promote the policies set forth herein.
Section 3.2 Authority to Investigate.
The Minister shall be clothed with the authority to conduct such investigation as may be
necessary, appropriate and in keeping with the laws of Liberia, in order to ensure compliance
with the Law by all Persons.
Section 3.3 Minister’s Authority to Delegate.
The Minister may delegate any power conferred upon him by this Law, excluding the power to
make Regulations hereunder, to the Deputy Ministers, Assistant Ministers, Directors, and other
officials commensurate with their respective functional responsibilities and in keeping with the
laws of Liberia.
Section 3.4 Establishment of Minerals Technical Committee.
There is hereby established a Minerals Technical Committee composed of the following:
i. The Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy (Chairman);
ii. The Ministry of Justice;
iii. The Ministry of Finance;

Section 3.4 Establishment of Minerals Technical Committee.

There is hereby established a Minerals Technical Committee composed of the following:
iv. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs;
v. The National Investment Commission;
vi. The Ministry of Labor;
vii. The Council of Economic Advisors to the President of Liberia;
viii. The Central Bank of Liberia;
a. The President of Liberia may from time to time designate such other Persons not more
than three (3), who shall not be officials of Government to serve as member of the Mineral
Technical Committee.
Section 3.5 Power of the Committee.

The Minerals Technical Committee is hereby empowered under the chairmanship of the
Minister to negotiate and conclude agreements with applicants for Class A Mining Licenses.
Section 4.1 Minerals Rights Required.

No Person shall conduct Exploration, Mining or Operations except in accordance with the
Mineral Right provisions under this Law.
Section 4.2 Persons or Individuals Not- Eligible for Mineral Rights.

The following Persons or Individuals shall not be eligible to be Holders of Mining Licenses.
(a) an individual who is less then eighteen (18) years old
(b) a person or individual who has been adjudged insolvent or bankrupt during the prior seven
(7) years under the laws of Liberia, or of any other country, except under a plan of
reorganization approved by the courts of Liberia, or of such other country and permitted by the
laws of Liberia, and with respect to which such person or individual is in compliance;
(c) a Person or an individual who is not lawfully qualified to conduct business in the Republic.
(d) an individual who has been convicted of a felony in Liberia, or who has been convicted
elsewhere of, or has pleaded nolo contendere to a crime, the elements of which would
constitute a felony in Liberia.
(e) a person whose application does not meet the requirement of this Law;
(f) the President of Liberia, the Vice President, any member of the National Legislature, Justice of
the Supreme Court and Judges of subordinate courts of record, Cabinet Ministers, Managing Directors
of Public Corporation during their tenure in office. However, in the vent that any of the foregoing
persons was already a Holder of a Mineral Right prior to assuming the functions of the office, then
such person may either dispose of such Mineral Right or place such Mineral Right in Blind Trust.
(g) an employee of the Ministry or Commission.
(h) with respect to a Class C Mining License: (1) an individual who is not a citizen of Liberia, or (2)
a person that is legally or beneficially owned and controlled entirely by individual who are not
citizens of Liberia.
(i) with respect to Class B Mining License: (1) an individual who is not a citizen of Liberia
unless legally permitted to be a resident of Liberia or to seek employment in Liberia; or (2) a
person other than an individual, unless individuals who are citizens of Liberia own and control
at least sixty percent (60%) of the equity or voting power in such person or are entitled to
receive at least sixty percent (60%) of such person’s net profits or distributable income.
CHAPTER 5: THE RIGHT TO CONDUCT EXPLORATION

Section 5.1 Reconnaissance Licenses.
The Minister, upon receipt of an application by an Eligible Applicant for any Mineral Right that
conforms to the requirements set forth in this Law or in the Regulations, shall grant such
Person a Reconnaissance License for the area applied for, subject to the following terms and
conditions:
a. that the area shall not already be subject to a valid Mineral Right, other than a Quarry
License, granted to another Person.
b. That the area subject to the Reconnaissance License shall not exceed 2000 square kilometers.
c. that Holder of a Reconnaissance License shall have the right, during its term, to conduct
Reconnaissance in the area subject to the Reconnaissance License ;
d. that the Holder of a Reconnaissance License shall not engage in drilling or sinking of pits.
e. that upon completion of the Reconnaissance of the area granted the Holder may apply for an
Exploration License with respect to all or portion of the Reconnaissance area so granted;
f. that the Minister shall grant and award the Exploration License subject to the Applicant
having met and conformed to the requirements of this Law and the Regulations, including
the payment of all relevant fees.
g. that the Exploration License so granted shall be in conformity with Applicant’s

Reconnaissance reports, findings and programs held with the Ministry;
h. that the Minerals found in the course of a Reconnaissance survey may be disposed of
subject only to the declaration of such Minerals finds to the Minister.
i. that the Minister shall grant and issue a Reconnaissance License for a maximum period of
six (6) months, renewable once for another six (6) months provided that the Holder shall
have met all of the obligations under this Law and the Regulation.
Section 5.2 Prospecting License.

A Person who is an eligible applicant for a Class B Mining License or a Class C Mining License
may apply for a Prospecting License over an area to be specified in the application. The
Minister shall grant the Prospecting License to such eligible applicant(s) if the application
conforms to the requirements set forth in this Law or in the Regulations, subject to the
following terms and conditions.
a. that the area shall not already be subject to a valid Mining Right granted to another person.
b. that the area granted under this Prospecting License shall not exceed one hundred (100)
acres.
c. that the Holder of the Prospecting License shall have the exclusive right during its term to
conduct Prospecting over the granted area and to apply for a Class B or Class C Mining
License with respect to any part of the granted area;
d. that the Holder shall file and submit to the Minister a prospered work plan for prospecting.
Section 5.2 Prospecting License.
e. that the Minister, upon receipt of the Prospecting Plan and application, shall grant to the
Holder the Prospecting License, provided that said Holder shall have paid all relevant fees
and met all requirements in compliance with this Law and the Regulations.
f. that the Prospecting License granted herein to prospect shall not be interpreted as the
right to conduct commercial mining. However, a Holder of a Prospecting License shall have
the right to dispose of minerals, extracted in the course of prospecting subject only to
declaration of such mineral finds to the Minister.
g. That the Minister is authorized to grant to the Holder a Prospecting License for a period of
six (6) months provided that the Holder meets its obligations under this Law and the
Regulations;
Section 5.3. Exploration License.

The Minister upon receipt of an application from a person who is an eligible applicant for a Class A
Mining License as defined herein in Chapter 6 of this law shall grant such person an Exploration
License for the area applied for provided the minerals rights have not being granted to another
person; subject to the following terms and conditions:
a. that the area shall not already be subject to a valid Mineral Right granted to another person.
b. that Government and the Eligible Applicant shall have concluded an Exploration Agreement,
or other agreement, which has become effective, pursuant to its terms, covering the area
applied for.
c. that the holder of the Exploration License shall have the exclusive right to conduct Exploration
work in the area granted and covered under the terms of the Exploration License.
d. that the Holder shall submit a proposed exploration program to the Minister within ninety
(90) days after the issuance of the Exploration License.

e. that the Holder shall commence Exploration within one hundred and eighty (180) days after
the issuance of an Exploration License unless the minister agrees to a longer period.
f. that the initial terms of the Exploration License shall be not more than three (3) years and it
may be extended for a single two (2) year term upon the written application of a Holder who
has fulfilled its work and expenditure obligations under the proposed exploration program
and otherwise complied with this Law and the Regulations.
g. that provided the Exploration License Holder does not choose to keep all or a portion of the
area he has explored for mining purposes, the Exploration License shall automatically
terminate at the expiry of its term; unless for good cause and the Minister otherwise agree
to a different schedule in keeping with 5.3 (f), then
(1) at or before the expiration of the initial period of the Exploration License, the Holder may
select the entire Exploration Area or any part thereof as a proposed production Area.
(2) in the event the Holder decided to apply for an extension of the Exploration License, the
holder shall be obliged to surrender a minimum of fifty (50) percent of the Exploration Area at
the end of the initial Terms of the Exploration License.

g. (3) at the end of the Extension Period, the holder declare the entire remaining area a proposed
Production Area or any portion thereof in the event the Holder declares only a portion of the
Exploration Area as Production Areas, the remaining portion of the Exploration Ares must be
surrendered to Government and the Exploration License shall then case to exist.
h. that the Holder of an Exploration License may conduct pilot mining in connection with and as
permitted by a proposed Exploration program.
i. that the Holder of an Exploration License shall incur costs in conducting Exploration in such sum,
calculated on a per acre, per hectare, or per square kilometer basis as may be provided in the
Regulations or agreed between the Holder and Government.
j. that the Exploration License shall terminate, subject to the provisions of Section 9.14, if the Holder
shall be in material breach of its terms and conditions and of this Law and the Regulations.

k. that the Holder shall continuously conduct Exploration during the term of the Exploration
License, provided that the Holder and Government may agree that Exploration may be
temporarily suspended for an agree period of time not to exceed one year except in the
case of force majeure, and subject to such conditions as they may agree during which time
the running of the term of the Exploration Agreement shall also be suspended
l. that where marginal Deposits are discovered within an Exploration Area but Exploitation
thereof must be postponed, the Minister, upon application by the Operator and upon
recommendation of the Department of Mines, shall grant the application for postponement
of Exploitation for reasonable period until economic and technological conditions prove
more favorable for the Development of such marginal Deposits.
m. that each and every holder of an exploration license shall have the right to dispose of all
minerals extracted in the course of such Holder’s Exploration activity and assays, subject
only to the declaration of such Mineral finds to the Ministry.
n. that the Exploration Area shall be contiguous and shall not exceed one thousand (1,000)
square kilometers.
o. that the Holder shall have the right to add to the Exploration Area any unencumbered
areas that have geological relationship to adjoining Exploration or production Areas. This
additional area shall not exceed twenty (20) percent of the original Exploration Area
granted.
Section 5.4. Exploration License Required.
No person shall conduct exploration in Liberia except pursuant to a license provided for in this
chapter, or as may be otherwise provided for by this Law.
CHAPTER 6. THE RIGHT TO OPERATE MINES
Section 6.1 Mining License Required.
No person shall engage in Mining in Liberia except pursuant to a License provided for in this
Chapter.
Section 6.2 Construction.
This Law shall be construed to require that an Exploration License first be obtained in order to
acquire a Mining License so as to avoid granting or obtaining Mining License for Non-
mineralized area.
Section 6.3 Class C Mining License.
Any person who is an Eligible applicant for a Class C Mining License may apply for, and the
Minister shall grant, a Class C Mining License over a Production Area not subject to a Mineral
Right granted another person subject to the following terms and conditions:
a. that the Holder of a Class C Mining License shall have the exclusive right to mine in the
Production Area covered by the Mining License.
b. that the term of a Class C Mining License shall be for one (1) year, renewable for further
terms of one year each if the Holder has met all of its obligations under this Law and the
Regulations, and is in compliance with the provisions of the Mining License.
c. That the size of the Production Area covered by a Class C Mining License shall be not more
than twenty –five (25) acres.
d. that one person may hold up to four (4) Class C Mining Licenses at the same time.
e. that holders of Class C Mining License may upon notice to and with the approval of the
Minister, conduct mining on a cooperative basis in order to share costs and shall not thereby
be deemed to constitute a single enterprise so long as the separate identity of each Holder is
maintained.
f. that the Holder of a Class C Mining License shall conduct Mining predominantly as a small –
scale Operation and the Minister may pursuant to this Law and Regulation, penalize any
Holder of a Class C License that is not predominantly engaged in a Small-Scale Operation.
g. that the Ministry shall promulgate Regulations governing the survey of Mining Claims of
Holders of Class C mining Licenses.
Section 6.4 Class B Mining License.

Any person who is an eligible applicant for a Class B Mining License may apply for a Class B
Mining License over an area not subject to a Mineral Right granted to another person, on the
same terms and conditions as a Class C Mining License with the following exceptions, and
subject to the following further terms and conditions.
a. that the initial term of a Class B Mining License shall be five (5) years and any renewals
thereof shall be for not more than five (5) years each;
b. that the Holder of a Class B Mining License may conduct mining as an industrial
Operations;
c. that up to fifteen (15) Holders of Class B Mining License may, upon notice to the Minister,
form a Cooperative to conduct Mining in order to share costs of equipment or
infrastructure and thereby be deemed to constitute a single enterprise so long as the
separate identity of each Holder is maintained.
Section 6.4 Class B Mining License.

d. that a Holder of a Class B Mining license shall submit a production plan to the ministry prior
to commencing mining and at the same time each calendar year thereafter, and the minister
may require the mineral holder to amend the production plan in any manner necessary such
that it conforms to the standards set forth herein, and the other requirements of this law.
Section 6.5 Class A Mining License.

Upon receipt of Notice from the Operator, during or at the end of the Exploration period, of a
discovery of exploitable deposits, the Minister shall grant a Class A Mining License for the
proposed production area applied for subject to the following terms and conditions:
e. that Government and operator shall have concluded, and the eligible applicant is materially
in compliance with a Mineral Development Agreement which has become effective,
permitting mining in the Proposed Production Area pursuant to its terms and conditions.

b. that the Operator shall have successfully completed a proposed exploration program and
submitted to the Minister a detailed map and descriptive statement based on actual surveys
which shall set forth the boundaries of the proposed production area, identified by metes and
bounds, and the boundaries and size of the Deposits from which Minerals are to be mined.
c. that the Operator shall have completed a feasibility report describing a plan for the efficient
and economic conduct of mining in the Proposed Production Area in keeping with the
standards set forth in and the other requirement of this law, a description of the minerals
proposed to be mined and the mining and processing methods to be used, the design, costs
and construction schedules for the proposed plant, facilities and equipment to be used, and
the marketing arrangements contemplated.
d. that the Minister shall have approved the feasibility report which approval shall not be
withheld if such feasibility report is in accordance with the standards and other
requirements of this law.

e. that the initial term of a Class A Mining License shall be not more than twenty- five (25)
years, and may be extended, in each case upon a showing that proven reserves exist, and upon
submission of a revised and up –dated feasibility report, for consecutive additional terms not
to exceed twenty – five (25) years each.
f. that the Minister shall have been satisfied that the Operator possesses the necessary technical
skill and experience, and the financial resources necessary, to permit it to carry out mining
operations in keeping with the requirements of a Class A Mining License and of this Law.
Section 6.6 Mineral Development Agreement.
As set forth in section 5.3 and 6.6 of this Law an eligible applicant shall have concluded a Mineral
Development Agreement or other agreement with Government in order to receive either an
Exploration License or a Class A Mining License. The following terms shall apply to the Mineral
Development Agreement.

a. A Mineral Development Agreement shall be effective and binding on the Republic pursuant to its
terms when,
(1) signed by the Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy, the Minister of Finance and the Chairman of the
Nationals Investment Commission, or by their successors in office or function of any of the foregoing;
(2) attested to by the Minister of Justice or by his or her successor in office of function; and (3)
approved by the President of Liberia.
b. Government may agree to, and be bound by, terms set forth in the agreement relating to any matters
left to the discretionary authority of the Minister, including matters that are, or could be, a subject of
the Regulation.
c. Government may agree to and be bound by terms that set forth and fix the fiscal and tax obligations
of the other party, but for no period longer than, twenty –five (25) years, and subject to periodic
review of those terms every five (5) years in order to consider any modifications of these terms that
due to substantial changes in circumstances during the preceding five (5) years, the parties agree are
warranted and
d. Government may agree to and be bound by terms guaranteeing the right of the other party to be
free from currency of other exchange controls with respect to the proceeds of export sales, to
repatriate earning, and to exchange currency in Liberia at fair market rates of exchange,
consistent with Acts establishing the Central Bank of Liberia and Regulations pursuant thereto.
e. Right granted to a party to a Mineral Development Agreement to commence mining or to obtain

a Class A Mining License for the purpose shall be suspended until such other party has fulfilled
its obligations as set forth in Section 6.5 (b), (c) and (d) and 5.3(d)(e),(i), and (k) of this Law
and the Mineral Development Agreement shall terminate if such other party has not fulfilled its
obligations as described above by or before the end of the initial or any extended term of the
exploration license, or such other period as it may be required by this law.
f. Government may agree to be bound to such other terms as it consider conducive to the
encouragement –of investment in and enhance productivity of the Minerals and Mining
sector in Liberia, including but not limited to terms providing for international binding
arbitration of disputes arising out of or in connection with a Mineral Development
Agreement terms guaranteeing a party in a Mineral Development Agreement that its
investment will not be actually or constructively expropriated, nationalized or seized; terms
affirming such party’s right to import goods and equipment for use in its operations and to
export Minerals; and terms providing such party with protection against discrimination in
favor of any other producer or exporter of minerals in Liberia.
Section 6.7 Provisions Common to all Mining License.
Each Mining License shall be subject to the following additional provisions:
a. Limitation. A Mining License shall not be issued with respect to any area that is already
subject to a valid Mineral Right granted to another Person;
b. Form of Application: The application for a Mining License shall include such information,
and be in such form, as may be specified in the Regulations including but not limited to the
name, address, nationality, legal status and other information regarding the Person making
the application, the Minerals expected to be mined, the boundary of the area subject to the
Mining License Area, the metes and bounds of the area, and an accurate survey of not less
than 1:10,000 accompanied by a map which shall show the geographic position of the claim
with reference to adjacent natural landmarks such as rivers, mountains, towns, villages of
other known boundaries if there should be any permanently marked Government survey
station located within ten kilometers of the proposed Mining License Area, such Government
survey station is to be connected with the points shown on the map and its direction and
distance are to be shown.
c. Effect of Discovery of other Minerals. Every Person holding a Mining License who, in the
course of Development or Mining, discovers that a Mine or Deposit contains another Mineral
not the subject of the Mining License, shall have the right to mine such additional Mineral; in
such case the minerals in question shall not be mined until the application made to the
Minister, which shall not be unreasonably denied, same being approved within ninety (90)
days; subject to the terms prescribed in the section. Any person holding a mining license
shall file a separate notice with the Minister as to each Mineral which has been discovered
and is to be mined, for permission to have its Mining License amended to cover the new
Mineral. The minister shall promulgate Regulations governing the recovery of associated
minerals.
d. Surface Right Under Mining License. Unless otherwise specified in the Mineral
Development Agreement, the grant of a Mining License shall carry the following surface
rights.
e. 1. Erection of habitations, office buildings, mill buildings, engine houses, store houses;
f. 2. Building of dumps, ditches for drainage, roads within the surface boundaries of the
Production Area;
g. 3. Making tranches and open cuts, constructed for and necessary for Mining Operation;
h. 4. Cutting of timber only insofar as it is necessary to clear for buildings and such works as
are mentioned in subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3) hereof and to use in construction of the
mining site, and ;
i. 5. Use of water and other resources necessary for the execution of the work.
e. Right of Operator to Operate Transportation and Communication Lines.
A Mining License shall not in the absence of contrary provisions in the Mineral Development
Agreement be deemed (1) to convey the right to operate a railroad except between the pit, Mine
opening; placer workings and the mill, nor (2) to grant the right to operate telephone, telegraph,
water system, hydraulic or electric system, or any other public utility except within the bounds of
the Production Area and between a Mine and the mill;
f. Right of Holder to Dispose of Mineral.
A Holder shall have the right to freely dispose of within Liberia all Minerals extracted under the
terms of his License, and may export all such Minerals in their original or changed form subject
to specific provisions of the Mining License and the laws of Liberia relating to exports; provided,
that the sale and export of minerals shall be governed by the relevant provisions of this law.
CHAPTER 6 THE RIGHT TO OPERATE MINES
g. Report by Holders. Each Holder shall submit to the Ministry not later than September 30 of
each year a report giving statistical and descriptive information concerning the operation of
the License. Each holder shall demonstrate upon request to the satisfaction of the Minister
that the provisions of this Law and the Regulations are being complied with. Such reports
shall be submitted not later than December 15 of each year;
CHAPTER 7 THE RIGHTY TO OPERATE QUARRIES
Section 7.1 Right to Operate Quarry.

No Person may operate a Quarry or Mine Building and Industrial Minerals except pursuant to a
valid Quarry License obtained as provided for in this Chapter.
Section 7.2 Eligibility.
Persons eligible to receive a class B Mining License or a Class C Mining License shall be eligible to
receive a Quarry License.
CHAPTER 7 THE RIGHTY TO OPERATE QUARRIES
Section 7.3 Grant of Quarry License.
The Minister shall grant a Quarry License on the same basis as a Class B Mining License, and
subject to the same terms and conditions, with the exception of the following:
a. No Quarry License shall be issued for an area exceeding fifty (50) acres;
b. The Holder of a Quarry License shall have the exclusive right to develop, mine, and sell
Building and Industrial Minerals found within the area subject to the Quarry License; but
shall not have the right to Mine other Minerals.
Section 8.1 Protection of the Environment.

Each Holder of a Mineral Right shall take reasonable preventive, corrective and restorative
measures to limit pollution or contamination of or damage to, streams, water bodies, dry land,
surface and the atmosphere as a result of Exploration or Mining.
Section 8.2 Restoration of Site.
Each Holder of a Mineral Right shall be responsible to restore the terrain of any Land disturbed
by Exploration or Mining to its prior state or, if it is not feasible to do so; then to undertake such
reclamation as will render the Land useful for economically and socially desirable purposes.
To this end, each such Holder shall, among other things, level all surfaces to the extent
reasonable, or contour grade and terrace all exposed artificial gradients and declivities created as
a result of Exploration or Mining.
Section 8.3 Environmental Safe Guard.
Each Holder shall ensure that all water polluted by its Exploration or Mining is restored to its
prior state, and that any water courses that have been closed are re-opened, or substitute water
courses opened; such that the area is drained by natural runoff with a minimum of erosion.
such Person shall also engage in reforestation activities if responsible for large scale felling of
trees during Exploration or Mining.
Section 8.3 Environmental Safe Guard.
The Minister shall issue detailed Regulations in keeping with this Law and all other laws of
Liberia relating to the protection of the environment, setting forth those operational and other
measures to be taken by each Holder of a Mineral Right to ensure compliance with the policies
set forth in this section.
Section 8.4 Environment Impact Assessment Study.
applicant for a Class A or Class B Mining License to submit, as a condition precedent to the grant
of the Mining License, an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report prior to the grant of
any such application.
This study shall state the adverse impact mining or the Exploitation of Minerals and related
activities proposed to be undertaken may have on the environment, and set forth a plan of
mitigation and reclamation.
Special attention shall be paid to any adverse effects on nearby communities.
The Minister shall grant the application for a Mining License only after reviewing this study and
confirming that its mitigating and reclamation proposals adequately protect the environment.
CHAPTER 8 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Section 8.5 Environment Management Program.
An Environmental Management Program in respect of the surface of the Land affected by any
Exploration, Mining or other Operation shall be submitted by the Holder of the Mining Right to
the Minister before the commencement of any such Operation.
Section 8.6 Periodic Environmental Assessment.
For each ongoing Operation, the Minister shall, in collaboration with the Operator, conduct
periodic environmental assessments, as shall be defined in the Regulation.
CHAPTER 9 PROVISIONS COMMON TO ALL MINING LICENSES

Section 9.1 Development of National Minerals Resources.
Mining, including the Mining of Building and Industrial Minerals, shall be carried out in such a
manner as to ensure sustainable development of the national mineral resource base.
The Holder shall follow standard technical procedures accepted by the Mineral industry
worldwide as set forth in this Law and the Regulation.
Section 9.2 Existing Rights.
Mineral Rights are always issued subject to existing rights of other Persons in the lands subject to
such Mineral Rights.
Section 9.3 Renewal.

If a License conferring a Mineral Right expires without a decision having been made on an
application for its renewal that was presented in the form and within time limits prescribed by
this Law and the Regulations,
the said license may nonetheless be extended nunc pro tunc to the date of expiration, and in that
case a renewal notice shall be sent to the applicant that his request for renewal has been granted.
No Mineral Right may be granted to any other Person until a decision has been made on any
application for renewal submitted prior to the date the license expired,
provided that the request for renewal shall be deemed denied if, within one hundred and eighty
(180) days after the expiration of the said license, no decision has been made and communicated
to the applicant.
Section 9.4 Period to Vacate.
When application for renewal or extension of a Mineral Right is denied pursuant to this Law or
the Regulations, the Holder thereof shall cease all activity authorized by the Mineral Right on its
expiry date, except for such activity as may be necessary for reclamation purposes and the
shutdown of Operations and removal of equipment or infrastructure.
The holder shall have the period of time set forth below within which to carry out reclamation
activities and the shutting down of Operations, and to vacate the areas subject to the Mineral
Right:
a. In the case of Reconnaissance License or Class C Mining License, one (1) month after notice
of denial;
b. In the case of a Prospecting License or a Class B Mining License, three (3) months after
notice of denial; and
c. In the case of an Exploration License or Class A Mining License six (6) months after notice of
denial, or such greater or lesser period of time as may be required under the terms of a
Mineral Development Agreement.
Section 9.4 Period to Vacate.
d. For purposes of section 9.4 the Holder shall be deemed to have received notice at the earlier
of the date when it was actually delivered to him the date when he learned of its contents, or
the date his application was deemed denied.
Section 9.5 Extent of Mining License.
A Mining License extends to an indefinite depth in the earth within the bound of vertical lanes
extended downward from the surface boundaries of the Land as to which the privilege has been
granted.
Any Person holding a Mining License under this law is expressly prohibited from following a vein
of Minerals outside of such vertical planes.
Section 9.6 Boundaries to be Identified.
Holders of Mineral Rights other than Reconnaissance License shall mark their respective
boundaries in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
The Ministry shall require the claimed area to be surveyed and demarcated at the expense of the
Holder.
Section 9.7 Modification.
A mineral Right may be modified to include Minerals other than those for which it was issued under
terms and conditions to be agreed upon by Government and the Holder.
Section 9.8 Reporting.
Holders of Mineral Rights shall be required to submit to the Ministry reports in such form and manner as
the Regulations may require. The contents and frequency of such reports shall be as prescribed by the
applicable Mineral Right and by the Regulations.
Section 9.9 Termination of Mineral Rights.
The duration including renewals of Mineral Rights may expire by the lapse of time, surrender of the
Mineral Right by the Holder or revocation by the Government when a Mineral Right expires, the rights
granted thereunder to the Holder shall revert to Government without charge.
Section 9.10 Government Right of Option to Installation, when a Class A License

Terminates.
When a Class A Mining License expires, Government shall have the option to acquire all or part of the
moveable assets on terms to be set forth in the Mineral Development Agreement, and shall acquire title
to all non-movable or fixed assets.
Section 9.11 Surrender of Mineral Rights.
Holders of Mineral Rights may surrender such Rights in whole or in part upon prior notice of one
(1) month in the case of Prospecting License, Exploration License or Class B Mining License, or
six (6) months in the case of a Class A Mining License or such greater period as may be required
in a Mineral Development Agreement.
Section 9.12 Holder’s Obligation to Government.
Holders of Mineral Rights shall remain liable to Government for the settlement of all outstanding
taxes, duties and other levies due and payable to Government and for any lawful obligations
incurred by the Holders during Operations, including but not limited to reclamation and
restoration of Land and water resources, notwithstanding, the expiry of the Mineral Right in
question or any Mineral Development Agreement entered into pursuant thereto.
Section 9.13 Extent of Surrender.
The surrender of a Mineral Right may be total or partial, partial surrender may extend to certain
Minerals listed in the Mineral Right or certain areas subject to the Mineral Right, but not others.
Any area surrendered shall form a compact block as much as possible, with the borders aligned
to the true north –south and east –west.
Section 9. 14 Revocation of Mineral Rights.
Minerals Rights under this Law may be terminated by Government on any of the following grounds:
a. Where the Holder of a Mineral Right fails to commence Exploration or Mining within the time
required by the Mineral Right, except when caused by force majeure.
b. Where the Operator shall fail to carry out Exploration in accordance with a proposed
Exploration plan, cease Exploration for a period of twelve consecutive months when subject to
an Exploration License, cease Mining for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months when
subject to a Class B Mining License, or twenty –four (24) consecutive months when subject to a
Class A Mining License, unless any such failure or cessation is consented to by Government or is
caused by force majeure.
c. Where violation by the Operator or a mineral provision of this Law or the Regulations, or of the
terms of a Mineral Development Agreement, and/or the failure to cure any such material
violation within sixty (6) days after notice, or such longer period as the Minister may allow, and
d. Where the Operator shall fail to pay any taxes, duties, levies fees or other payment due
Government on the date due and, within sixty (60) days after receiving notice of default or
demand for payment, has continued to fail to make payment.
Section 9.15 Effectiveness of Revocation.
Revocation by Government shall take effect two months after notice thereof has been sent to the
Holder of a Mineral Right at the last registered address of such Holder with the Ministry, or at such
other address as may be specified in the Mineral Development Agreement.
Section 9.16 Date of Termination of Mineral Rights.
The termination of a Mineral Right shall specify the date when the revocation shall take effect and all
the rights conferred on the Holder of the Mineral Rights shall terminate as of the date of the revocation.
Section 9.17 Assignment and Transfer of Mineral Rights.
Mineral Rights may be assigned only upon the approval of Government, except for an assignment to an
affiliate of the Holder of a Mineral Right which shall not require the approval of Government so long as
the Holder remains jointly and severally liable with the affiliate for all obligations assumed under the
Mineral Right.
Any purported assignment in contravention of the section shall be null and void, and shall constitute a
material violation of this Law, the death of an individual Holder of a Mineral Right, or the dissolution or
termination of existence of any other Holder, shall result in the termination of the Mineral Right unless,
within a reasonable period of time to be prescribed in the Regulations, an assignment of those Mineral
Rights is made to a person who is an Eligible Applicant.
Section 9.18 Assignment as Security.
Mineral Rights may be assigned to a creditor as security for an obligation or indebtedness, upon notice
to the Ministry and pursuant to the laws of Liberia.
The Holder’s right in any such Mineral Right thus assigned shall terminate upon any foreclosure
thereof pursuant to a judgment of court having competent jurisdiction over the Persons and the subject
matter, or otherwise pursuant to the laws of Liberia,
provided that the judgment creditor or lien creditor shall have no right to conduct Operations under
any such Mineral Right unless, within one hundred and twenty (120) days after such foreclosure or
other judgment in its favor,
the judgment creditor or lien creditor either demonstrates to the Minister that it is an Eligible
Applicant for that Mineral Right under this Law, in which case the Minister shall grant the judgment
creditor or lien creditor the appropriate Mineral Right for its remaining term, or assigns that Mineral
Right to another Person that is an Eligible Applicant, in which case the Minister shall grant the Mineral
Right to that Person.
Section 9.19 Condition for Transfer.
Where there is more than one Holder of a Mineral Right, all the Holders thereof must agree to the
assignment or transfer of that Mineral Right.
Section 9.20 Force Majeure.
In the event the Holder of a Mineral Right is being rendered unable, in whole or in part, by force
majeure to carry out any obligation thereunder, other than an obligation to make payments of
money that accrued prior to the commencement of force majeure,
such Person shall give notice and the particulars of such force majeure in writing to Government
as soon as practicable after the occurrence of the cause relied on;
and the obligation of the Person giving such notice, insofar as it is affected by such force majeure,
shall be suspended during the continuance of any such inability.
However, any such inability shall, as far as practicable, be remedied with all reasonable dispatch.
All time periods specified for the performance of obligations or the enjoyment of rights granted
by a Mineral Right that are affected by force majeure, except in connection with an obligation to
make payments or money that accrued prior to the commencement of force majeure,
shall be extended by the period of time the inability caused by such force majeure exists.
Section 9.21 Force Majeure Defined.
The terms force majeure as used in Section 9.20 shall mean
Acts of God, accidents, wars, acts of war, invasions, act of public enemies, hostilities (whether war
is declared or not),
restrictions on trade or other activities of the Holder imposed by any sovereign nation or state,
embargoes, blockades, revolutions, riots, civil commotions, sabotage,
strikes and/or other industrial labor or employer –employee disputes { if not cured for a period of
more than two (2) months},
fires, epidemics, and any similar cause,
provided any such cause was not within the reasonable control of the party claiming suspension
and could not have been avoided or overcome by such party through the exercise of due diligence.
Section 9.22 Government Ownership of Equity.
Government shall receive free of charge an equity interest in all class A Mining Operations as
defined in chapter 6 of this Law equal to but not less than ten percent (10%) or not more than
fifteen percent (15%) of it authorized issued and outstanding share capital existing at any time
and from time to time without dilation.
CHAPTER 10 PROTECTED ZONES
Section 10.1 Lands not Subject to Mineral Rights.
Mineral Rights shall not be granted with respect to any lands located within the boundaries of
any cities, commonwealth districts, municipal districts, cemeteries, transportation or
communication facilities, aqueducts, military base, port, Poro or Sande grounds,
and other grounds reserved for public purposes, except with the consent of the officials
authorized to administer or control the affairs of such entities, and subject to such special terms
and reasonable conditions as may be prescribed for the protection of surface users.
CHAPTER 11 RIGHTS OF OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS OF LAND AFFECTED BY THIS LAW
Section 11.1 Rights Governed by this chapter.
The rights of Landowners or occupants of Lands affected by granting of mineral rights shall be governed by this
chapter.
11.2 Obligation to Observe
This Law and Regulations. No Landowners or Occupants of Land shall undertake any Exploration or Mining on such
Land except pursuant to this Law.
Section 11.3 Supremacy of Government’s Right.
Government’s right as owner of Minerals in the Republic of Liberia are absolute and supersede the rights of any
Landowners or Occupants of Land in respect of the Exploration or Mining of Minerals, provided that such
Landowner or Occupants of Land shall be entitled to just, prompt and adequate compensation for any diminution in
the value of Land caused by disturbance, disfigurement or other factors occasioned by the Government’s exercise of
its rights.
Section 11. 4 Rights of Land Owners or Occupants of Land in Respect of Mineral
Rights.
The legal owner or lawful occupant of property on which minerals are discovered shall be entitled to a right of first
refusal in any application for obtaining Class A or Class B Mining License as against any third party or parties.
CHAPTER 11 RIGHTS OF OWNERS OR OCCUPANTS OF LAND AFFECTED BY THIS LAW
Section 11.6 Specific Authorization Required.
Specific authorization shall be obtained from the Minister by the holder of a Mineral Right in order
to carry out the following activities, unless they are expressly authorized in the text of the license
granted the Holder or in a Mineral Development Agreement:
a. Clearing the Land of all trees, shrubs and other obstacles, and cutting wood necessary for the
holder’s activities outside the boundaries of his license or licenses;
b. Operating unused or unreserved waterfalls and harnessing them for purposes of such activities
c. Installing electrical plants;
d. Installing plants for preparation, concentration, or chemical or metallurgical treatment of
Minerals;
e. Development of roads, canals, pipelines, channels, conveyors or other above –ground conduits
for the purpose of transporting product beyond the Land subject to such Mineral Right, and
f. Creation or development or railways, sea or river ports and airports.
CHAPTER 12 PUBLIC USE OF INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED OR CONSTRUCTED BY HOLDERS OF
MINERAL RIGHTS
Section 12.1 Use of Infrastructure.

Communication lines and other infrastructure installed or developed by the Holder of Mineral Rights
within the area subject of the mineral Rights may be used by Government or third parties provided
however, that fair compensation shall be paid and that such use does not interfere with or hinder the
Holders Operation.
Section 12.2 Fixed and Movable Assets Installed by Holders.
All fixed assets installed by Holders of Mineral Rights shall become the property of Government, upon
termination of the Mineral Rights; however, the movable assets shall remain the property of the Holder.
CHAPTER 13 REGULATION OF RADIOACTIVE MINERALS
Section 13.1 Minister to Make Rules and Guidelines.
The Minister shall promulgate rules, Regulations and guidelines for the possession, transportation and
storage of Radioactive Minerals and the protection of the public, which shall be incorporated in
CHAPTER 12 PUBLIC USE OF INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED OR CONSTRUCTED BY HOLDERS
OF MINERAL RIGHTS
Section 13.2 Obligation to Disclose.

Any Person who discovers Deposits or occurrences of Radioactive Minerals or is in possession of
said Radioactive Minerals shall immediately notify the Ministry and disclose such discovery or
possession to the Ministry. The Ministry will then apply the appropriate Regulations with respect
to the possession, transportation, safeguard and storage of such Radioactive Minerals.
CHAPTER 14 EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND WATERS AND

GEOTHERMAL DEPOSITS.
Section 14.1 Prospecting/Exploration and Mineral Rights. No one shall explore for or
develop underground waters or geothermal deposits in the territory of the Republic without a
license authorized by this chapter.
Section 14.2 Exploration Licenses for Underground Water or Geothermal Deposits.
Exploration License for underground waters or Geothermal Deposits may either designate the
perimeter within which drilling may be carried out or specify the site for such drilling.
Section 14.3 Operation Permit.
Operation Permits for the extraction of groundwater (digging of shallow wells and drilling of deep
wells) shall be issued by the Minister in conformity with Guidelines and Regulations set forth by
the Ministry.
Section 14.4 Specify Condition. In addition, Operation Permits for the Operation of
underground water and geothermal deposits shall control, regulate or provide the following:
a. The calorific content of whatever is extracted;
b. The extraction, use and reinsertion of heat-conveying fluids and products contained therein
so as to preserve the products as much as possible.
c. A definition of the perimeter of operations and the maximum output of production;
d. The volume limit beyond which the Holder may not extract underground water in order to
allow the water to regenerate; and
e. Limitation on the volume of underground water that can be extracted by true- depths.
Section 14.5 Perimeter of Prospecting/Exploration Permits.
The perimeter contained and set forth in an Operation permit for underground water or, Geothermal
Deposits issued pursuant to a Prospecting/Exploration License shall include all drilling to be
undertaken for the purposes of such Exploration to enable the Holder to reach underground waters
with developable qualities.
CHAPTER 15 TRADING AND DEALING IN GOLD, DIAMOND AND OTHER PRECIOUS

MINERALS
Section 15.1 Trade in Gold and Diamonds Regulated.
The import and export of gold, diamonds and other precious Minerals obtained from Small-Scale
Operations shall be governed by this Law, the Regulations, and such rules and regulations as they,
from time to time be promulgated by the Central Bank of Liberia pursuant to applicable Law.
Section 15.2 Eligibility for Broker’s License.
Persons who meet the same requirements as those stipulated for a Class C Mining License shall be
eligible applicants for a broker’s license. A broker’s license shall grant the Holder the Right to trade
in Gold, Diamond and other precious Minerals in Liberia.
MINERALS
Section 15.3 Eligibility for Dealer’s License.

Persons who meet the same requirements as those stipulated for a Class B Mining License, or who
have been granted the right to obtain a Dealer’s Licenses under a Mineral Development Agreement,
shall be eligible applicants for a dealer’s license subject, however, to the provisions contained in
section 15.6. A Dealer’s License shall grant the holder the right to trade in Minerals in and out of
Liberia.
Section 15.4 Trade and Dealership in Precious Stones and Minerals.
A Person wishing to deal in gold, diamonds or other precious Minerals, and who are eligible
Applicants pursuant to this chapter, shall apply to the Minister for a Dealer’s License which shall
authorize such person to engage in activities authorized by each license. The Regulations shall fix
the terms and conditions that must be satisfied in order to obtain or maintain a Broker’s License or
Dealer’s License.
Section 15.5 Sequence of Transaction.
Holders of Class C Mining Licenses shall sell gold, diamonds or other precious Minerals obtained
from Operations only to brokers who have a Broker’s License, or to dealers who are parties to a
Mineral Development Agreement, and subject to its terms. Brokers shall sell to dealers who have
MINERALS
Section 15.6 Performance Bond.

Dealers in precious minerals shall be required to file a bond of Fifty Thousand United States
Dollars (USD$ 50,000.00) with a bank established in Liberia prior to the commencement of
business and as a condition of obtaining or renewing a Dealer’s License under this Chapter.
CHAPTER 16 INSPECTION AND SAFETY
Section 16.1 Safety Measures.

All Holders of Mineral Rights shall employ any and all measures which are intended and/or
designed to eliminate or mitigate the risk of danger that their Operations might cause to public
safety or hygiene, to mine workers, to the preservation of the Mine or Quarry, to neighboring
Mines or Quarries, water sources or public roads.
Section 16.2 Danger and Accidents.

Each and every Holder of a Mineral Rights shall from time to time, advise the Ministry of any and
all accidents occurring in connection with Operations.
Section 16.3 Report of Accidents.
Accidents occurring in a Mine, Quarry or in connection with Operations that cause serious injury
or death must be reported by the Operator as soon as possible to the Ministry, and to such other
Persons as may be prescribed by the laws of Liberia within the time specified in such laws.
Section 16.4 Preservation of Accident Scenes.
When accidents occur in connection with Operations, the condition of the premises where the
accident occurred shall be preserved without alteration until inspectors and representatives of
the Ministry have completed their investigations, or authorization to alter the condition of the
accident scene or objects therein is obtained from the Minister.
However, the foregoing prohibition shall not apply to the extent necessary to permit operations
for the preservation of human life and property.
Section 16.5 Obligation to Draw up Workplace Regulation.
All Holders of Mineral Rights shall be obliged to observe the highest standards of hygiene and
occupational safety as established by the Minister in collaboration with the Minister of Health and
Social welfare, the Minister of Labour, the Environmental Commission and other relevant
governmental agencies.
In this regard, Mine and Quarry Operators shall be further obliged to draw up and enforce
Regulations in accordance with such standards to ensure the hygiene and safety of their workers,
plants and inventories.
Section 16.6 Approval of Regulations.
The texts of any and all such hygiene and occupational safety regulations shall be submitted to the
Minister for his prior review and subsequent approval once approved, copies thereof shall be
posted in the most visible locations for workers within plants, operation and other work sites.
Section 16.7 Emergency.
In cases of emergency, where the Mine or Quarry Operator has failed to take appropriate hygiene
and safety measures, the Ministry or its duly authorized agents shall, in collaboration with the
appropriate agencies of Government, take whatever relief or preventive measures are necessary
at the expense of the Operators concerned.
In cases of imminent peril to human life, the Ministry or its duly authorized agents shall
immediately take whatever measures are necessary to remove or mitigate the danger and when
necessary shall make demands on local government authorities with the view to saving human
life and property.
Section16. 8 Duty of contractor.
When part of the work in a Mine or Quarry is awarded to any contractor or subcontractor, the
employees of any such contractor or subcontractor shall in all respects be obliged to respect all
Regulations provided for in this chapter 16.
Section 16.9 Default.
Subsequent to a discovery by any official of the Ministry’s inspectorate or a complaint that a

Holder of a Mineral Right has failed to implement any of the hygiene and safety regulations in this
chapter, the Minister may prescribe, in collaboration with the Minister of Health and Social
Welfare, and the Minister of Labour, after hearing representations, and on recommendation of the
Department, measures required to ensure the hygiene and safety of the workers, plant and
inventories.
In cases of emergencies or imminent peril, the Department may promptly employ or prescribe
provisional measure pending issuance of appropriate orders by the Minister.
Section 16.10 Child Labor Prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any Person, Mining or Quarry Operation to employ or hire any child under
the age of sixteen (16) years in a Mine or Quarry whether underground, or on the surface, or on
machines for lifting or moving objects, on winding gears for elevation or in connection with the
use of explosives.
Section 16.11 Use of Explosives.
The conditions for the import, export, manufacture, storage, handling, purchases, sale and use of
explosives shall be as strictly prescribed by the laws of Liberia.
Section 16.12 Application for Explosive Permit.
All Mine or Quarry operators shall apply to the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, or to such other
agency of Government as required by the laws of Liberia, for permission to import, export, buy, sell,
manufacture, store, handle, purchases, use, dispose of or otherwise deal in or with explosives.
CHAPTER 17 FISCAL PROVISIONS
Section 17.1 Fees for Mining and Quarry Licenses.
The Minister and the Minister of Finance shall establish, from time to time and publish in the
Regulations, the rates and payment of fees for the grant of each Mineral Right and the renewal,
extension, continuation, assignment and transfer when applicable of any Mineral Right.
Section 17.2 Fees for Mineral Trading and Dealership.
The Minister and the Minister of Finance shall review and establish from time to time in the
Regulations the fees to be paid by brokers and dealers Licensed to trade or deal in gold, diamonds
and other precious Minerals.
Section 17.3 Surface Rentals.
The Minister and the Minister of Finance shall establish from time to time and publish in the
Regulations the annual surface rental fees to be paid by Holders of Minerals Rights on Land
owned by Government.
Section 17.4 Mineral Royalties.
There is hereby imposed on all Minerals, royalties of not less than three (3) percent nor more than
ten (10) percent, except silica, sand and Building and Industrial Minerals which shall not be more
than five (5) percent.
The Minister shall publish Regulations from time to time in consultation with and pursuant to the
advice of the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia, setting forth the
bases and rates of such royalties, which shall be based upon current prices of Minerals, the return
on the investment in Minerals and other economic indices and measures.
Section 17.5 Income Tax and Other Taxes.
All taxes, levies, fees and imposts imposed or authorized by the laws of Liberia shall be applicable
to the Holder of Mineral Rights in respect of all Operations, and the income received therefrom,
permitted by this law,
provided that the provisions of Section 6.6(c) of this Law shall apply to the Holders of Class A
Mining Licenses.
Section 17.6 Government’s Right to Receive Royalties, Taxes and Dividends in Kind.
The Government may require payment of all royalties, taxes and dividends in kind from all Class A
Licenses at the sole discretion of the Government.
Section 17.7 Government’s Right to Purchase Licensees’ Production.
The Government reserves the right upon appropriate notice of ninety (90) days to a Class A
Licensee, and subject to prior contractual commitments made to third parties, to purchase a
portion or all of the Licensee’s production at fair market value.
Section 17.8. Incentive.
The National Investment Commission, in collaboration with the Ministry, shall consider, review
and decide upon each request for investment incentives by a Holder of Mineral Rights in keeping
with provision of the investment incentives Code.
CHAPTER 18 MEASURES FOR THE PROMOTION OF MINING ACTIVITIES
Section 18.1 Scientific Investigation.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.4 hereof, the Minister may subject to such conditions
as he may determine, authorize any Person to undertake Exploration in the course of a scientific
investigation into the geological or Mineral resource of the Republic.
However, such person shall provide all geological reports and data relating to such scientific
investigation to the Ministry which shall keep all such reports and data confidential for a period of
three (3) years at the request of the Person conducting such Exploration.
Section 18.2 Minister’s Notice.

The Minister shall notify each Applicant for a Mineral Right as to the disposition of the application
within no longer than sixty (60) days after receipt of the application, provided that in the case of
an Applicant for an Exploration License or a Class A Mining License,
the Minister need only to inform the Applicant of the current status of the application and
commence negotiations within ninety (90) days after receipt of the application.
Section 18.3 Establishment of Mineral Development Fund.

There is hereby established a Mineral Development Fund (the Fund) for the following purposes:
a. Financing of all or part of activities designed to enhance Mineral resources promotion and
development;
b. Financing of all or part of the Government’s equity in a Mining Operation;
c. Financing of all promotion and development of safety standards in the Industry;
d. Financing of local and advanced training of personnel;
e. Financing of participation in organizations, at mining conferences and international seminars
dealing with development of the mining sector;
f. Financing of the conduct by the Ministry of Environmental Assessments and related studies;
g. Financing of education and training for Operators engaged in Small Scale Mining; and
h. Such other purposes as the Minister, with the advice of the Committee, shall designate.
Section 18.4 Source of Funding for the Mineral Development Fund.
The Mineral Development Fund shall be funded from the following sources:
a. A onetime fee of not less than Fifty Thousand United States Dollars (US$50,000.00) shall be
payable by the Holder of a Class A Mining License or by each Person who is a party to a
Mineral Development Agreement with Government;
b. The full amount of all fines imposed and collected pursuant to this chapter.
c. Minerals obtained by Persons not Licensed to Mine under this Law and forfeited to
Government pursuant to the laws of Liberia; and
d. Twenty – five percent (25%) of Royalties paid pursuant to this Law.

Section 18.5 Administration of the Mineral Development Fund.
The Mineral Development Fund shall be administered by the Minister and the Minister of Finance
who shall jointly make all disbursement decisions with the general advice of the Committee.
CHAPTER 19 DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 19.1 Settlement of Disputes.
The resolution of any dispute arising under any of the provisions of this Law between Holders of
Mineral Rights and between another Holder of such Rights; and the Government of Liberia shall
be governed by the respective provisions provided for in such agreements.
CHAPTER 20 MISCELLANEOUS
Section 20.1 Indemnity for Damages.
Holders of Mineral Rights shall be obliged to indemnity Government against any claim that may be
asserted by any other Person for damages and injuries caused to such other person by such
Holders.
Section 20.2 Employment of Liberian Citizens.
No Operator, its contractors or sub-contractors under this Law shall employ foreign unskilled
labor. To the maximum extent feasible, an operator, its contractors and/or sub-contractors shall
give preference and employ Liberian citizens at all levels of their Operations structure,
particularly in skilled, technical, administrative, financial and managerial positions.
Section 20.3 Training of Liberia Citizens.
Any and all Operators, their contractors or subcontractors, shall provide on a continuing basis
appropriate training for their Liberian employees, in order to qualify them for skilled, technical,
financial, administrative and managerial positions.
Section 20.4 Transfer of Technology.
Holders of Mineral Rights and their respective contractors and subcontractors shall conduct
business in Liberia in such a way as to encourage the transfer of technology to Liberians to the
fullest degree possible.
Section 20.5 Fundamental Rights.
Each and every Holder of Mineral Rights is subject to the provisions of international conventions
which the Government has ratified and the laws and regulations of Governmental agencies of the
Republic of Liberia guaranteed the following freedoms:
a. the right to freely dispose of their property and organize their businesses as they wish to;
b. the right to hire and dismiss the services of their employees, subject to the Labor Practices
Law of the Republic;
c. unlimited access to raw materials;

Section 20.5 Fundamental Rights.
d. freedom of movement of personnel and products within the Republic;
e. the right to import goods and services not available in the Republic and any necessary funds; and
f. the right to dispose of and market their products on international markets.
Section 20.6 Non – Discrimination.
While acting within the scope of their professional activities, foreign employers and employees are subject to
the laws of Liberia and rules and regulations promulgated under those laws without discrimination of any
kind whatsoever.
Section 20.7 Government’s Right to Negotiate Trans-Border Agreements.

If and when it becomes necessary, Government may conclude agreements with other States to
facilitate transportation of Minerals over the territory of such other States.
Government shall grant to all Holders of Mineral Rights without distinction all advantages arising out
of such agreements.
Section 20.8 Processing Rights.
All Holders of Mineral Rights shall have the right to establish plants within the Republic for
conditioning – treatment, refining and processing of Minerals , including, but not limited to, the
working of metals and alloys, compounds or raw derivatives of such Mineral subject to the prevailing
Regulations.
Section 20.9 Declaration.
Subject to prior declaration and the approval of the Minister, the purchase, sale, import and export of
any Mineral, and the conditioning, treatment, refining and transportation thereof including working of
metals and alloys , compounds of raw derivatives of such mining or fossil substances may be carried
out in Liberia.
Section 20.10 Industrial Infrastructure.

Pursuant to Section 12.1 of this Law Holders of Mineral Rights shall have the right to install any
and all industrial infrastructure necessary for and incidental to Mine or Quarry Operations, in
accordance with prevailing standards of the Mining and Quarry industries worldwide, this Law
and the Regulations.
CHAPTER 21 REGULATIONS
Section 21.1 Regulations.
The Minister shall have and is hereby empowered and authorized to issue, from time to time,
Regulations pursuant to this Law for the conservation and development of Mines, Quarries, and
their substances for the purpose of giving effect to the policies set forth in and provisions of this
Law.
The Regulation may provide for or with respect to all matters that are the subject of this Law
including, but not limited to the following:
a. prescribing any measure, which in terms of this Law, needs to be efficiently regulated;

b. the manner in which applications under this Law shall be made, types and formats of
documents required and information to be supplied by the investor/Applicants;
c. the shape and size of areas over which Mineral Rights may be granted, as well as the manner
in which areas and boundaries shall be marked and surveyed and the fees payable in respect
of such survey;
d. the renewal, transfer, assignment and surrender of Mineral Rights; the returns to be rendered
and the nature of the accounts, books and plans to be kept by the Holders of Mineral Rights;
e. the valuation, sampling, weighing and testing of Minerals;
f. the methods of calculation of the amount of Royalties and the manner and time of payments
thereof;
g. the safety of the public and the safety and welfare of persons employed in Mines and the
exploitation of Minerals;
h. the conduct of operations in a safe, proper and effective manner;
i. the reporting of accidents;
j. the examination of Mines by authorized officers;
k. the proper and efficient working of Exploration Area, Production Areas and Mines and Quarries,
the avoidance of wasteful mining or metallurgical practices; and
l. penalties for offenses against the Law or the Regulations.
Section 21.2 Power of Minister to Issue Regulations.
The Minister shall from time to time pursuant to the provisions hereof, issue Regulations, which
shall govern Exploration and Mining and promote the policies set forth in, and the provision of this
Law.
Section 21.3 Minister to Consult.

Pursuant to Section 12.2 of this Law and prior to the issuance of regulations the Minister shall
publish such proposed Regulations for at least sixty (60) days prior to their effective date in order
to allow public comments on all such proposed Regulations.
The Minister shall collect and summarized all such comments, and refer them along with the
proposed Regulations to the committee for its comments and advice not later than fourteen (14)
days before their effective date.
CHAPTER 22 OFFENSES AND PENALTIES
Section 22.1 Penalty.

Any person who contravenes Chapter 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this Law hereof shall be guilty of an offense
and shall be liable upon conviction in court of law:
Section 22.1 Penalty.
Any person who contravenes Chapter 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this Law hereof shall be guilty of an offense and
shall be liable upon conviction in court of law:
a. In the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding Two Thousand United States Dollars
(US$2,000.00) or its equivalent in Liberian Dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding
twenty-four (24) months or to both such fine and imprisonment and.
b. In the case of any other Person, to a fine not exceeding Twenty –five Thousand United States Dollars
(US$25,000.00) or its equivalent in Liberian Dollars.
Section 22.2 Court.

The Court before whom a Person is convicted under Section 22.8 hereof may order the forfeiture of all
Minerals obtained by such Person or if such Minerals cannot be located, of such sum of money as may
represent the value of such Minerals.
Any Mineral so confiscated shall be sold or otherwise disposed of as the Court may direct and the
proceeds of such sales shall be paid into the Mineral Development Fund.
Section 22.3 Liability.

Holders of Mineral Rights are liable to the State for breaches committed under this Law by
themselves, their employees, agents, contractors and/or subcontractors.
When several persons jointly hold Mineral or Quarry Rights, their liability is joint and several.
Section 22.4 Reporting Offenses and Reports.
Offenses under this Law and the Regulation shall be reported by law enforcement officers,
member of plant protection forces, private security officer (officers), agents of the Ministry, and
any private Individual to Government.
Section 22.5 Search, Seizure and Visits.

Law enforcement officers working along with mining agents and mineral inspectors of the
Inspector General Office, the Department of Mines and other agents especially commissioned for
such purposes shall have the power to investigate, search and seize contrabands pursuant to the
laws of Liberia.
Section 22.6 False Representations.

Any Person determined to have:
a. forged information as to a Mineral Right;
b. made material , false representations in order to obtain a Mining Right by fraud; or
c. destroyed, moved or altered a boundary marker of the perimeter of the area subject to a
Mineral Right shall, upon conviction by court of competent jurisdiction, be subject to a find of
between One Thousand and Two thousand United States Dollars (US$1,000.000 -
US$2,000.000) or imprisonment for two (2) to three (3) months.
Section 22.7 Other Offenses.
It shall be an offense punishable by a fine of between Five Thousand to Twenty –five Thousand
United States Dollars (US$5,000.000 – US$25,000.00) or imprisonment for a period of six months
to twelve months or both the find and imprisonment:
a. if any Person is found contravening any provision of this law with respect to Radioactive
Minerals; or
b. if found contravening any provisions of the Law or the Regulations covering hygiene,
occupational safety and environmental protection.
Section 22.8 Offenses of Possessing Precious Minerals.
Except for Persons as permitted by this Law, any Person found in possession of unrefined gold,
diamonds and other precious Minerals shall, upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction,
be sentenced to a find commensurate to the value of the Minerals to be determined by the
Ministry, or imprisonment for a period between six (6) months to two (2) years and the Minerals
shall be forfeited to Government. However, any Person who finds Minerals other than those
permitted by this Law shall report same to the Ministry within ten (10) days of such find.
Failure to do so shall subject said Person to penalties in accordance with the provisions of this law.
CHAPTER 23 TRANSITIONAL
Section 23. 1 Validity of Prior Mineral Rights.
Upon the passage of this Law all existing agreements regarding Mineral Rights and related activities
pursuant to the periodic review provisions of said agreement shall be subject to review by the National
Investment Commission and the Minister within a period of twelve (12) months, so as to bring said
agreements in compliance with the provision of this Law.
CHAPTER 24 EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 24.1 Effective Date of this Act.
This act shall take effect immediately upon publication in handbills.
ANY LAW TO THE CONTRARY NOTWITHSTANDING

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AN ACT ADOPTING NEW MINERAL AND MINING LAW

PART I, TITLE 23,

4TH SESSION OF THE 51ST LEGISLATURE OF THE REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA

RECEIVED THIS 3rd DAY OF APRIL

CHAPTER 2. OWNERSHIP OF MINERALS

CHAPTER 4. ELIGIBILITY FOR MINERAL RIGHTS

CHAPTER 6. RIGHT TO OPERATE MINES

CHAPTER 8. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

CHAPTER 10. PROTECTED ZONES

CHAPTER 12. PUBLIC USE OF CERTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE OWNED OR CONSTRUCTED

CHAPTER 14. EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF UNDERGROUND WATERS AND GEOTHERMAL

CHAPTER 16. INSPECTION AND SAFETY

CHAPTER 17. FISCAL PROVISION

CHAPTER 19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

CHAPTER 20. MISCELLANEOUS

CHAPTER 21. REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 23. TRANSITIONAL

CHAPTER 24. EFFECTIVE DATE

AN ACT ADOPTING A NEW MINERAL AND MINING LAW

PART I. MINERALS AND MINING LAW

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

e. “Commission” shall mean the National Investment Commission, an Agency of

m. “Environmental Commission” shall mean an agency of Government established to review

p. “Exploration Area” shall mean an area subject to an Exploration License.

v. “ICC” shall mean the International Chamber of Commerce.

y. “Landowner” shall mean a person who owns Land by legal title.

z. “Law” shall mean this Act and the Regulations.

ai. “Mining License” shall have the meaning provided in Chapter 6.

al. “New Works” shall mean technical and technological improvements.

as. “Production Area” shall mean an area subject to a Mining License.

ba.“Regulations” shall mean regulations promulgated pursuant to Chapter 21.

bb.“Republic” shall mean the Republic of Liberia.

Section 2.1 Property Rights in Minerals.

Section 2.2 Mineralized Area.

Section 2.3 Right of Ownership.

Section 3.1 Administration.

Section 3.2 Authority to Investigate.

Section 3.3 Minister’s Authority to Delegate.

Section 3.4 Establishment of Minerals Technical Committee.

There is hereby established a Minerals Technical Committee composed of the following:

i. The Minister of Lands, Mines & Energy (Chairman);

ii. The Ministry of Justice;

iii. The Ministry of Finance;

Section 3.4 Establishment of Minerals Technical Committee.

iv. The Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs;

v. The National Investment Commission;

vi. The Ministry of Labor;

vii. The Council of Economic Advisors to the President of Liberia;

viii. The Central Bank of Liberia;

Section 3.5 Power of the Committee.

CHAPTER 4. ELIGIBILITY FOR MINERAL RIGHTS

Section 4.1 Minerals Rights Required.

Section 4.2 Persons or Individuals Not- Eligible for Mineral Rights.

(g) an employee of the Ministry or Commission.

CHAPTER 5: THE RIGHT TO CONDUCT EXPLORATION

g. that the Exploration License so granted shall be in conformity with Applicant’s

Section 5.2 Prospecting License.