Published: September 3, 2025
MONROVIA — The Ministry of Mines and Energy, in partnership with the Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia, will on Wednesday host a one-day training workshop focused on tackling illicit financial flows in the mining sector.
The forum, targeting dealers in precious metals and stones as well as other high-value items, comes amid concerns that Liberia’s mineral sector remains vulnerable to money laundering, terrorist financing and other illegal financial activities.
Organizers say the workshop will highlight risks and challenges associated with the misuse of Liberia’s natural resources, while also presenting strategies for reform. The agenda includes discussions on money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing, sector risk assessments and compliance monitoring.
Representatives of self-regulatory bodies such as the Diamond Dealers Association of Liberia and the Gold Dealers Association of Liberia are expected to deliver presentations alongside government officials.
According to the Mines and Energy Ministry and the FIA, the initiative is part of wider national reforms designed to strengthen transparency and align Liberia with international standards, including recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force.
“This effort underscores Liberia’s commitment to ensuring that natural resources contribute to sustainable national development rather than criminal enterprises,” the joint organizers said in a statement.
Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye and the officer-in-charge of the Financial Intelligence Agency are scheduled to deliver keynote remarks. Representatives from German development agency GIZ will also attend, along with stakeholders from both government and the private sector.
The discussions are expected to focus on building stronger safeguards against financial crimes, improving accountability and reinforcing Liberia’s credibility in global mining and financial markets.
Officials say the outcomes of the workshop will feed into broader policy actions aimed at reducing financial crime risks across Liberia’s mineral value chain. By addressing weaknesses in oversight and compliance, the government hopes to strengthen protections in a sector critical to national revenue.
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