Liberia sets October mining and energy summit amid $3B investment push

Liberia will host LIMEC 2026 in Monrovia on Oct. 28-29 as the government looks to leverage rising iron ore output, critical mineral discoveries and a renewable energy buildout to attract more than $3 billion in new investment. The conference is designed to bring investors, ministers and operators together around mining, power and infrastructure opportunities. Why it matters: - Liberia is trying to turn a surge in mining activity and energy projects into long-term investment. - Officials say the country’s extractive and power sectors could pull in more than $3 billion in fresh capital. - The conference comes as West Africa’s resource map shifts toward critical minerals, logistics corridors and cleaner power. What happened: - The Government of Liberia, the Liberia Chamber of Mines and AME Trade Ltd launched the Liberia International Mining & Energy Conference and Exhibition, or LIMEC 2026. - The event will take place at the Farmington Hotel in Monrovia on Oct. 28-29, 2026. - The conference is jointly organised by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Liberia Chamber of Mines and AME Trade Ltd. - The theme is “Powering Prosperity: Sustainable Mining and Energy as Catalysts for Liberia’s Economic Transformation.” - Government ministers, mining executives, energy developers, financiers, technical experts and service companies are expected to attend. The details: - Liberia’s GDP growth is projected at 5.8% in 2025. - A fast-tracked new Mining Code and 10%-25% free-carried state equity are part of the current investment framework. - A 20 Mt/year iron ore concentrator was inaugurated in June 2025. - National iron ore output is expected to rise to 25 million to 30 million tonnes per year as more producers begin operations. - Five decades of geological studies concluded in 2025 confirmed deposits of lithium, cobalt, manganese, neodymium and uranium. - A transnational rail and port corridor linking Guinea’s Nimba region to the Port of Buchanan is scheduled to begin Phase 1 construction in 2026. - The corridor is expected to create about 2,000 jobs at peak. - On energy, Liberia has set a target of at least 75% renewables in the national generation mix. - Current and planned projects include the rehabilitated 88 MW Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant, the EU-funded LEEAP grid expansion, a new utility-scale solar IPP programme and the 800 MW potential of the Saint Paul River. - Day One of LIMEC 2026 will focus on mining and investment, including a keynote from the Minister of Mines and Energy, sessions on the mining code, iron ore expansion, critical minerals, gold and artisanal mining, and a workshop on mining finance and deal structuring in West Africa. - Day Two will focus on energy and infrastructure, including discussions on reaching 266 MW of installed capacity, regional power integration through the CLSG Interconnector, energy for mining, local content and a closing investment roundtable. - The exhibition will showcase mining companies, energy developers, equipment manufacturers, financial institutions, professional services firms and technology providers. - The conference is the only event dedicated exclusively to Liberia’s mining and energy sectors. - It will offer direct access to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the National Investment Commission, the Liberia Electricity Corporation and the Rural and Renewable Energy Agency. - More information is available in the company’s announcement . Between the lines: - Liberia is positioning itself as both a mining growth story and a future energy hub. - The mix of iron ore expansion, critical mineral discoveries and renewable energy targets suggests the country is aiming to attract investors across the full value chain, not just in raw extraction. - The rail and port corridor could strengthen Liberia’s role as a regional logistics link for neighboring markets. What’s next: - LIMEC 2026 will serve as a deal-making and policy forum ahead of project approvals, infrastructure buildout and financing decisions. - Investors and operators will use the October event to assess opportunities in mining, power generation, grid expansion and logistics. - Media accreditation requests should be sent to liberia@ametrade.org.