Liberia is positioning itself to transition from small-scale mining operations to large-scale diamond mining and production following the conclusion of a review visit by the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
The move comes as stakeholders in the country's mining sector continue to explore opportunities for expanded industrial diamond development, while maintaining compliance with international certification standards governing the global diamond trade.
In a related development, Liberian-owned diamond exploration company Youssef Diamond Mining Company (YDMC) indicated as early as May 2021 that it was actively pursuing a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Government of Liberia. The company made the disclosure following what it described as significant discoveries in its exploration activities.
However, the exact date of the MDA application has not been publicly disclosed, but the issue resurfaced during the recent KP Review Visit, when a visiting delegation assessed whether Liberia meets strict requirements governing diamond production, certification, and export systems.
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The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is an international certification framework established in 2003 to prevent "conflict diamonds" from entering the global diamond market. It requires participating countries to implement strict controls over diamond mining, certification, and export procedures.
During the review visit, YDMC delivered a formal presentation to the delegation, highlighting its readiness for industrial diamond mining in Liberia following years of exploration.
The company's Consulting Geologist and Designated Qualified Person (QP), Stephen Baysah Dorbor, told the KP Review Team that, based on geotechnical analysis, YDMC is well-positioned to undertake large-scale diamond production in the country.
In a statement, YDMC further noted that its technical expertise in diamond exploration and mining processes sets it apart, claiming it produces reliable results in identifying diamond-bearing structures. The company, which says it has over 30 years of experience in kimberlite pipe and dike detection, also described itself as a leading player in diamond exploration in Liberia.
Members of the KP Review Team acknowledged the presentation and expressed optimism about Liberia's transition from small-scale mining, currently dominated by Class 'C' Liberian-only license holders, to a more industrialized diamond sector.
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The final day of the KP mission, Friday, March 27, 2026, was marked by debriefings between the delegation and officials of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), focusing on field visits and overall observations.
During their visit, the Minister of Mines and Energy, R. Matenokay Tingban, commended the KP Review Team and reaffirmed Liberia's commitment to maintaining full compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme standards. He also praised the ministry's technical team for successfully facilitating all aspects of the review mission.
"As the KP delegation departs Liberia, its findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Energy for further consideration regarding the country's diamond sector outlook," he said.
The Office of Precious Minerals (OPM), headed by Director Rebecca K. Fallah, played a central role in coordinating the week-long visit. The KP Review Team was led by Alexander Novikov and included 13 other diamond inspection professionals.
Other key institutions in the mineral chain of custody, including the Bureau of Mines, responsible for licensing, and the Inspectorate Division, responsible for compliance monitoring, also participated in the exercise. They were represented by Director of Mines, Mining Engineer Alwell Aloysius Carr, and Deputy Inspector General for Mines, Mining Engineer Adolphus M.G.D. Gleekia.
