MONROVIA – Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu has called for greater local processing of Liberia’s mineral resources and warned against the use of what he calls critical minerals as leverage in geopolitical rivalries.
Kabina S. Kabah – kabinaskabah98@gmail.com
Speaking Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference, Ambassador Yin encouraged Liberia to move beyond extracting its mineral wealth and focus on adding value locally to create jobs, strengthen domestic industries, and accelerate economic transformation.
Yin said Liberia possesses significant deposits of iron ore, gold, diamonds, lithium, cobalt, and other minerals that could generate substantial public revenue and support economic diversification if responsibly managed.
He praised President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for prioritizing mining development but stressed that the country must strengthen local processing, technology transfer, technical training, and links between mining, energy, and infrastructure to ensure Liberians benefit more directly from their natural resources.
The Chinese envoy outlined four areas of potential cooperation between China and Liberia: mineral resource governance and technical training, mining investment and local value addition, renewable energy development, and environmentally sustainable mining.
He cited Chinese companies’ involvement in the Bong and Bomi East iron ore projects, which he said have created more than 500 jobs for Liberians and supported infrastructure development, including roads and port facilities.
On energy, Yin said China is prepared to explore cooperation with Liberia in solar, wind, and hydropower, emphasizing that reliable electricity is essential to industrialization and efficient mining operations.
He also called for a stable, transparent, and equitable investment environment to attract responsible investors, while urging mining companies to protect the environment, restore mining sites, and support government efforts to combat illegal mining.
Addressing the broader international context, Yin said China supports cooperation based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, stressing that mineral resources should contribute to national development rather than become instruments in geopolitical competition.
He maintained that Liberia’s mineral wealth could become a powerful driver of industrialization, economic diversification, and social development if managed wisely and developed sustainably.
