24/03/2026
Liberia Hosts Kimberley Process Review Mission In Liberia To Assess Country’s Diamond Sector Progress
… Government showcases reforms, mitigating efforts to address challenges
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – MARCH 23, 2026: The Ministry of Mines and Energy has officially opened a Kimberley Process Review Visit at the Bella Kasa Hotel in Monrovia, marking the first such assessment in Liberia since 2013.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, received the high-level delegation in audience at his Office, and welcomed their review work in Liberia, stressing that the Government is overwhelmed about the presence of the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme in Liberia after more than 13 years.
The delegation then proceeded to the Bella Casa Hotel in Monrovia where an official indoor program was held, characterized by speeches and technical presentations about Liberia’s diamond sector, attended by stakeholders of the sector including Brokers, Dealers, Miners, Civil Society actors, as well as members of the National joint Security.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of Mines and Energy Minister R. Matenokay Tingban., Deputy Minister for Administration, Eudora Blay-Pritchard, welcomed members of the international delegation and underscored the significance of the mission. “It is my honor and privilege to warmly welcome you all to Monrovia for this important Kimberley Process Review Visit,” she said, noting that the assessment provides a critical opportunity to evaluate Liberia’s progress and strengthen its diamond governance systems.
She reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), emphasizing the country’s determination to ensure that all diamonds exported from Liberia remain conflict-free and contribute to national development.
Looking at progress in Diamond Sector Governance, Minister Blay-Pritchard highlighted a series of reforms undertaken by the government to align Liberia’s diamond sector with international standards. These include strengthened regulatory oversight, improved licensing systems, and enhanced monitoring of diamond production and exports.
According to the Deputy Minister, Liberia has made notable gains in export control systems, record-keeping, and traceability, while also introducing more structured diamond valuation processes.
The government has also intensified awareness campaigns targeting miners, brokers, and exporters to improve compliance with Kimberley Process requirements and national regulations.
At key export points, including Roberts International Airport, authorities have implemented stricter controls to safeguard the integrity of diamond exports.
Despite these advances, the Deputy Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges affecting the sector, particularly in artisanal and small-scale mining.
She pointed to difficulties in monitoring informal mining activities, as well as concerns about illicit cross-border trade and diamond smuggling. Limited technical capacity and logistical constraints also continue to hinder full system efficiency. “Despite these challenges, the Government of Liberia is fully committed to addressing these issues with urgency and determination,” she assured.
Minister Blay-Pritchard called for sustained international support, particularly in the areas of technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge transfer to help close existing gaps.
Speaking on behalf of the Kimberley Process delegation, Alexander Novikov of the Russian Federation praised the global initiative for its impact over the past two decades.
He described the Kimberley Process as an effective multilateral mechanism that has significantly reduced the presence of conflict diamonds in global trade while promoting transparency and cooperation among governments, industry players, and civil society. “The Kimberley Process has proven to be an effective tool in combating conflict diamonds and fostering balanced growth in the diamond industry,” Novikov said.
He noted that the delegation’s primary objective is to assess Liberia’s compliance with KPCS minimum requirements through on-the-ground observations. “Our mandate is to see the reality on the ground with our own eyes. Everything we observe will be carefully documented and reflected in our final report,” he stated.
The review team comprises experts from several countries and institutions, including the Central African Republic, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, the African Diamond Producers Association, and the Diamond Development Initiative.
As part of ongoing reforms, Liberia has invested in modernizing its mining administration systems. In 2010, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the government developed the Mining Cadastre Information Management System (MCIMS), a centralized digital database for managing mining rights.
The system ensures accurate tracking of mining licenses and provides reliable data on the location and status of mineral assets.
In 2013, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Revenue Development Foundation, transitioned to the Mining Cadastre Administration System (MCAS), replacing the earlier FlexiCadastre platform. The updated system enhances transparency and efficiency in license management.
Operating under the “first-in, first-assessed” principle, the Mining Cadastre Information Management Unit (MCIMU) processes applications for mining rights in a structured and non-discretionary manner, working closely with the Department of Mines and the Department of Mineral Exploration.
The Government of Liberia has pledged full cooperation with the Kimberley Process Review Team throughout the mission, expressing openness to recommendations that will further strengthen compliance and performance. “Our vision is to build a diamond sector that is transparent, accountable, and beneficial to all Liberians,” Blay-Pritchard said. “One that contributes meaningfully to national development and improves livelihoods, especially in mining communities.”
The review visit is expected to continue throughout the week, with a special meeting expected to take place at the Ministry of Mines and Energy between the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, other ministries, and stakeholders, which will be followed by field assessments, and engagements with local CSOs, and mining institutions forming part of the evaluation process.
The Office of Precious Minerals at the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), is the main unit of focus for the KP Team's assessment tour of Liberia's diamond trade processing. Headed by Geologist Rebecca Kumba Fallah, the Precious Minerals Office concluded Day-1 review activities of the visiting delegation with a splendid presentation by Director Rebecca Kumba Fallah at the head-office of the Ministry (MME).
Her presentation focused on progress Liberia has made in diamond traceability, accountability in line with global standards. The KP Review Team satisfied their inquiries during the questions and answers segment of Director Fallah's presentation. Key technicians from the Ministry of Mines and Energy including the Director of Mines, Alwell Aloysius Carr, Director of the Mining Cadastre, V. Cooper Pency, and the Deputy Inspector-General for Mines, Adolphus M.G.D Gleekia, formed part of the Day-1 final presentation,supervised by the Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development,Fahnseth B. Mulbah.
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY PUBLIC RELATIONS
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