A significant step toward industrial-scale iron ore mining has been taken as the Ministry of Mines and Energy completed a comprehensive technical field inspection of WestCrest Liberia’s exploration site in Tokpahpolu Town, Bong County.
WestCrest Liberia, a subsidiary of a Singaporean firm, is now poised to transition from mineral exploration to production, pending government approval.
Over the weekend, a high-level delegation from the Ministry, led by Deputy Minister for Operations William Hines, conducted an on-site evaluation of the company’s exploration work, including inspections of drilled holes and collected ore samples.
“The assessment provided us with a clearer understanding of the technical work WestCrest has carried out,” said Deputy Minister Hines. “We will now review the findings to determine the company’s eligibility to obtain a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) from the Government of Liberia.”
WestCrest Liberia currently holds an exploration license that spans areas in Bong, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties.
The company has expressed strong interest in establishing a Class ‘A’ Iron Ore mining operation, which would mark a major investment in Liberia’s mineral sector.
In a statement during the inspection, Deputy Minister Hines emphasized the government’s commitment to welcoming credible investors whose operations will spur job creation, generate revenue, and contribute to national development through improved infrastructure, health services, education, and electricity access.
However, he reiterated that all potential mining ventures must strictly adhere to Liberia’s regulatory framework and procedural requirements for securing MDAs.
“We will not compromise the process,” he said. “Transparency, technical capacity, and compliance are non-negotiable for any company seeking to operate in Liberia’s mining sector.”
The Ministry lauded WestCrest Liberia for its cooperation during the site visit, which was a critical part of assessing the company’s operational capacity to responsibly handle large-scale iron ore production.
Prior to the field inspection, WestCrest presented a detailed PowerPoint briefing to the Ministry on June 4, 2025, outlining its vision, technical plans, and readiness for establishing a mining enterprise that meets Class ‘A’ standards.
Accompanying Deputy Minister Hines on the assessment were key officials, including Deputy Minister for Planning, Research and Development Fahnseth Mulbah, Assistant Minister for Mineral Exploration and Environmental Research Oliver Gbegbe, Director of Mines Alwell Aloysius Carr, Director of Geological Survey Anthony Kullie, and other technical staff.
The Ministry’s decision on WestCrest’s application for an MDA is expected following thorough review of the technical report from the site visit.
If approved, WestCrest’s transition to production could mark a major boost to Liberia’s mining industry and broader economic development agenda.
