"Panoramic View about the Mineral Titles of Liberia" By Emmanuel O. Sherman, Chief geologist, Liberian Geological Survey

MR. SHERMAN AND WORKMATE

The mineral industry of Liberia is summarize by the below diagram which if permitted, I will refer to as the “Mineral Industry Cycle” of Liberia. However, over the past months the sector has been undergoing severe microscopic review so as to ensure transparency and accountability. While this review is ongoing, I thought it relevant to summarise the country’s mineral sector into one big circle. As we all know, the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME) is the regulatory body of the sector. This entire sector is categorized into the Alluvial mining sector and the Mineral Exploration & Development sector


Figure 1: Unofficial Mineral Industry Cycle of Liberia (By: E.O.Sherman 2006)

In Figure1, the mineral exploration & development sector (MEDS) which is the Department of Mineral Exploration & Research, insures the efficient identification and development of mineral resources by monitoring the activities of license holders in this sector and by the provision of needed and available information to help potential investors. Activities within this sector are dominated by foreign exploration and mining companies involved in the acquisition of up-to-date geospatial data and information. While information about potential geological and mineral-rich targets are being generated by MEDS, the alluvial mining sector (AMS) which is headed by the Department of Mines, monitors and controls the extraction and trade of alluvial diamonds and gold produced by artisans and companies. Revenues generated from the industry are usually paid to the mineral resources revenue (MRR) body and are intended to be used by the GOL for sustainable economic development.

To ensure transparency and proper accountability in the sector, a body comprising of major stakeholders who are also key policy makers are empowered to review and formulate policies that may be implemented by MLME.

The Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) has now become the latest focus point in the mineral cycle that needs to be updated. This commission has its own legal act on which it exists. However, harmonization of the PPCC Act and the existing Mineral and Mining Law of 2000 could serve as a One-Stop-Regulating document of the country’s mineral industry.

1.0 Existing Policy, Legal and Regulatory Issues
The country has a New Minerals and Mining law of 2000 that is being administered by the Ministry of Lands, Mines and Energy (MLME). One of the key points in this law is the Mineral property rights/Mining Title. Mineral property rights to explore or mine in Liberia are obtained through the acquisition of alluvial mining licenses (either Class C or Class B) and a mineral concession.

Mineral Titles summary

There are basically two broad categories of mineral titles/rights under the Minerals and Mining Law of the Republic of Liberia: They are:
Exploration Right; and
Mining Right.

2.0 Mineral Property Right

Mineral license types usually issued to eligible candidates wanting to invest in the country’s mineral sector are summarized below:

License type
Key terms and provisions
duration
Reconnaissance
§ To conduct rapid geologic assessment of targeted area;
§ Targeted area must not be encumbered under a valid Mineral Right by another person
§ Renewable once for another six months;
§ Permit area is restricted 2,000 square kilometres;
§ Detail sampling(i.e. drilling, trenching and pitting) are prohibited
§ The Holder may apply and be granted a Mineral Exploration License by the Minister upon completion of the reconnaissance phase.

6 months
Exploration
§ That the area is not encumbered under a valid Mineral Right by another person;
§ Issuance for an initial period of 3 (three) years and may be extended for a single two-year period, in which event the Holder shall be obliged to surrender 50 (fifty) percent of the Exploration Area to Government;
§ That at the end of the initial 3- year period, the Holder may select the entire Exploration Area or any part thereof as a Proposed Production Area;

§ That the area granted shall be contiguous and limited to 1,000 square kilometers;
§ That Holder shall have exclusive right to conduct mineral exploration within the Exploration Area granted and may conduct pilot mining as permitted in the Proposed Exploration Program; and
§ That the Holder shall incur costs in surface rentals as negotiated between the Holder and Government;
§ That the Holder shall submit to the Minister a proposed exploration program within 90 (ninety) days as of the Effective Date of the Agreement; and
§ At the end of the Exploration Program, the Holder may apply for a Class A Mining License.


3 years
+2 years possible
extension
Class A Mining License


The Operator must have successfully completed an Exploration Program that clearly defines exploitable mineral targets;
That the Operator must have successfully completed a feasibility report outlining the efficient and economic conduct of the proposed mining operations;
That the Minister shall have approved the feasibility report which shall have been prepared in keeping with the Law and the application of acceptable international standards;
That the Operator must have conducted an Environmental Impact Study which among other things shall spell out the adverse environmental effects that could result from the mining operations and prescribe mitigating and curative means of restoring the environment;
That the Operator must demonstrate that it has the technical competence, experience, and financial resources to carry out such mining operations in keeping with the requirements specified under the Class A Mining License; and
That the Class A Mining License shall be issued for a period of 25 (twenty-five) years with extensions for consecutive additional terms not to exceed 25 (twenty-five) years each, once proven reserves still exist.

25 years
+
Possible 25 years
extension
CLASS B Mining License
§ That the initial term of a Class B Mining License shall be for 5 (five) years with renewal for periods not exceeding 5 (five) years each;
§ That the Holder can engage in industrial mining;
§ That 15 (fifteen) Holders of Class B Mining Licenses may collectively mine through a cooperative scheme; and
§ That the Holder of a Class B Mining License shall submit a production plan to the Ministry for approval prior to commencement of mining.


5 year
CLASS C Mining License

§ That the Holder of a Class C Mining License shall have exclusive right to mine in the Production Area;
§ That the tenure of a Class C Mining License shall be for a period of 1 (one) year renewable for further terms of one year each provided the Holder remains in compliance with the Mining Law and Regulations;
§ That the size of the Production Area covering a Class C Mining License shall not exceed 25 (twenty-five) acres;
§ That a Class C Mining License shall be restricted to a Small-Scale Operation;

1 year

"Liberia is Moving Foward" - President Sirleaf

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed hopes that the UN peace keeping force will remain in her country until local security forces can be properly trained and professionalized.

President Sirleaf (left) and US Senator Hillary Clinton

Her comments were contained in a documentary, by Swedish journalist Malou von Sivers, aired on Swedish channel TV4 Thursday night.

But the president added that security will be actually achieved if the government can respond properly to the needs of the people.

Providing social services and jobs are two vital areas, she added.

Mrs. Sirleaf, the first female to ever be elected to the highest office in an African country, hinted positively that Liberia is moving forward “out of the shadow of the past.”

She said the country has formed a truth and reconciliation commission to aid the process of healing after more than a decade of civil conflict.

“This process of truth does not lead to punishment. It is about reconciliation and forgiveness,” she noted.

Liberia was put into a situation where many of its young people were subjected to untold cruelty; where many were forced to commit atrocities, the president said and added that it is now time to get the country moving again.

We have the opportunity to get the country back on course, correct the mistakes of the past and give the young people a better future, she added.

The film: Rita and Rufus- Liberian child soldiers, chronicled the experiences of the two former soldiers who were torn apart from the families at tender ages to fight for one of the country’s warring factions.

It also highlighted programs that the Red Cross is running to help them, and more than a hundred others, regain sanity.

Liberians to celebration Independence Day in Belgium

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) is preparing a grand July 26 Independence Day celebration and a mini conference on the 27^th and 28^th of July in Brussels, Belgium.

For the past years, Liberian organizations across European states have been celebrating the Independence Day all by themselves, a release issued by the federation’s president Elvis G. Morris pointed out.

EFLA President Elvis G. Morris

“2007 is the year of unity and solidarity and in this light; EFLA is setting aside these two days for all Liberians and friends of Liberia around Europe to join hands in celebrating our 160^th Independence.

“This occasion will also prepare the Liberian European diaspora for its first ever international conference which will take place in September 2007 in Paris, France.

“The theme of the conference is “War- Torn West Africa: Emerging from Humanitarian Assistance to Political and Economical Reconstruction” in collaboration with the University of Bretagny, France.

“The aim of the international conference is: to provide practical recommendations to the international community on effective reconstruction processes for West African countries emerging from civil conflict.

“The activities over the two days aim to celebrate diversity and promote understanding between Liberians living in the Diaspora will include literary and theatre performances, sports events, music and food. Major attractions of this program will include a mini-Liberian conference and a ball.

“The European Federation of Liberian Association is a legally registered Belgian based federation comprising the network of Liberian Associations in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Luxemburg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom as well as the Kingdom of Belgium.

“The European federation of Liberian Associations has not only been one of the most dynamic group of Liberians in the Diaspora, but has also been a hub for providing diplomatic and civil support, resource information, social activities for Liberians home and abroad.

Mr. Morris called on all Liberian associations, organizations and friends of Liberia to be present.

“We hope this information will meet your timely intervention as members of the European Federation of Liberian Associations appreciate your support and would like to thank you in advance. Complete information regarding these events will be sent out in due course. Don’t hesitate to send you comments, suggestion and contribution for the kind of activities you may like to happen as part of the programs,” the release concluded.

For "Conflict of Interest" World Bank Presiedent Caught in the Web, Resigns

Mr. Wolfowitz was engulfed in a controversy after revelations that he gave his girlfriend, Shaha Riza, a pay raise. She later left the organization to take up employment with the US State Department.

Mr. Wolfowitz Ms. Riza

After his appointment in 2005, Mr. Wolfowitz, a former US deputy defence secretary, informed the bank about a potential conflict of interest due to his relationship with Ms. Riza, a communication advisor at the bank.

He proposed that she be moved to the state department with a pay and position increase in line with her prospects at the bank.

Announcing the decision recently, Mr. Wolfowitz said he was sorry for a painful and personal dilemma.

It became impossible for him to stay at his position after the bank’s governors questioned his ability to lead.

The world Bank in Washington DC

But his supporters said the melee was an excuse used by his detractors to get rid of him.

They said his fight against corruption and stance that aid to poor countries should hinge on good governance hit the wrong nerves.

US President George Bush, who had earlier maintained that Wolfowitz would keep his post, accepted the resignation with reluctance. The US will later appoint a replacement.

However, some are opting for the next president to be chosen on merit not nationality. Traditionally, the US, as the bank’s biggest contributor, appoints the president.

Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh Takes Wife in Sweden- See Pictures

Not too long ago, US-based Liberian Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh returned home to tie the knots with his beautiful bride. We bring you some photos from that wonderful ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia.

Bishop Innis in Sweden for Conference

The Rev. Dr. John Innis, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia is one of several guests attending the annual conference of the Methodist Church in Sweden.

Bishop Innis

The conference is being held in Norrkoping. It began on May 16 is expected to end on Sunday, the 20th.

Bishop Innis will perform some important functions during the conference which has at its theme: The Spring of Living Water.

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberia Police Linked

Government has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the disappearance of a ship off the Freeport of Monrovia.

The ship, Tahoma Reefer belonged to a Russian who informed the Police about the robbery.

The Assistant Information Minister for Public Affairs said the two are Bah Dickson, a Police officer and Alfred Teekay, a former Police officer.

Mr. Gabriel Williams told a news conference the two have been charged with criminal conspiracy and forwarded to court.

Minister Williams also said a Ghanaian only identified as Attah contacted the two men to assist him take away the ship since he had already bought it.

Deputy Police Inspector for Operation Gayflor Tarpeh said the LNP has sent a red notice through Interpol to neighboring countries to help recover the ship.

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberian Police Officers Linked

Government has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the disappearance of a ship off the Freeport of Monrovia.

The ship, Tahoma Reefer belonged to a Russian who informed the Police about the robbery.

The Assistant Information Minister for Public Affairs said the two are Bah Dickson, a Police officer and Alfred Teekay, a former Police officer.

Mr. Gabriel Williams told a news conference the two have been charged with criminal conspiracy and forwarded to court.

Minister Williams also said a Ghanaian only identified as Attah contacted the two men to assist him take away the ship since he had already bought it.

Deputy Police Inspector for Operation Gayflor Tarpeh said the LNP has sent a red notice through Interpol to neighboring countries to help recover the ship.

Foreign Ship Disappears At Monrovia Port, 2 Liberian Police Officers Linked

Government has announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with the disappearance of a ship off the Freeport of Monrovia.

The ship, Tahoma Reefer belonged to a Russian who informed the Police about the robbery.

The Assistant Information Minister for Public Affairs said the two are Bah Dickson, a Police officer and Alfred Teekay, a former Police officer.

Mr. Gabriel Williams told a news conference the two have been charged with criminal conspiracy and forwarded to court.

Minister Williams also said a Ghanaian only identified as Attah contacted the two men to assist him take away the ship since he had already bought it.

Deputy Police Inspector for Operation Gayflor Tarpeh said the LNP has sent a red notice through Interpol to neighboring countries to help recover the ship.

UN Police Chief in Liberia urges Ghanaian contingent to continue working for peace

The Acting UN Commissioner of Police, Mr. Maritz Du Toit, has reiterated the commitment of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to peace and security in Liberia, during a Peacekeepers Medal award ceremony for the Ghanaian UN Police contingent in Monrovia’s City Hall.

Mr. Du Toit commended the police officers for distinguishing themselves during training, mentoring and building the capacity of the Liberian National Police (LNP.) He further urged them to rededicate themselves to the service of humanity and the cause of peace. “Always Endeavour to go the extra mile in our collective efforts to build the peace in Liberia,” the UNPOL Commissioner stated.

Mr. Du Toit, who was assisted by LNP Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Asatu Bah-Kenneth and Head of UNMIL’s Corrections Advisory Unit, Marjo Callaghan, decorated 30 officers, including two Corrections Advisers.

The 23 men and 7 women who received medals are part of a 1,201 strong UNMIL multinational police force deployed in Monrovia. They are serving in a number of areas including Operations, Crime Services Department, Planning, Reform and Restructuring, and Leeward Counties. Ghana has been contributing police troops to UNMIL since September, 2003.

The Ghanaian police contingent in UNMIL consists of 34 UN police officers, 2 Immigration specialists and 4 Corrections officers. The Ambassador of Ghana to Liberia, H.E. Francis Adu-Amanfoh, senior UNMIL officials and other dignitaries were also present at the occasion.