Liberia is preparing for a sweeping reboot of its mining sector, with a bold focus on safety reform as the starting point. This shift is being led by Assistant Minister for Mines, Carlos Eddison Tingban, who has returned from an intensive two-week mine rescue training in Beijing, China, with what he described as “more than knowledge—a blazing commitment to save lives.”
Tingban’s participation in the “Mine Rescue for Belt and Road Countries” course—hosted by China’s Ministry of Emergency Management and the International Exchange and Cooperation Center—has sparked a renewed urgency to overhaul Liberia’s mine safety infrastructure and emergency response systems.
“This is not business as usual,” Tingban declared. “We return not just inspired, but armed—armed with vital lessons, proven strategies, and an unshakeable resolve to act.”
The program brought together mine safety professionals from several Belt and Road nations for hands-on simulations, policy deep dives, and exposure to cutting-edge rescue technologies.
Liberia’s mining reboot begins with reform from the ground up. Assistant Minister Tingban announced that the Ministry of Mines and Energy will soon roll out a comprehensive national mine safety reform agenda. This blueprint will be modeled directly after China’s proven systems, which prioritize lives before output.
The planned reforms include the establishment of centralized command and monitoring centers for real-time mine safety oversight. In addition, mobile rapid-response units will be developed for swift deployment during emergencies. Nationwide early warning systems will be installed to detect and prevent disasters before they occur. The agenda also calls for ongoing training programs for mine workers and first responders to ensure readiness and compliance.
“This isn’t a one-off speech,” Tingban emphasized. “We are going to act—swiftly and decisively. Because every delay is a risk to human life.”
During their time in China, Tingban and his delegation participated in rigorous hands-on exercises at Shengdon’s world-class mine rescue facilities. The simulations mimicked real-life emergencies such as tunnel collapses, underground fires, and toxic gas leaks. Teams were tasked with navigating narrow shafts, coordinating rescues, and operating under high-pressure conditions.
“It was where theory met sweat, sand, and the tangible reality of saving lives,” Tingban recalled. “This wasn’t about lectures. It was about being battle-ready. And now, we are.”
Beyond physical drills, the delegation engaged with Chinese engineers, safety officials, and students to better understand the culture and systems that underpin China’s zero-compromise approach to safety.
“We were humbled and inspired by a society that treats safety not as an afterthought, but as a foundation,” Tingban said.
“At companies like SANY and TIANMI, and institutions like the China University of Mining and Technology, we saw firsthand how innovation and accountability save lives. We took notes—because we must build that same foundation back home.”
He praised China’s youth and academic sector for their role in advancing safety innovations.
“China’s young scholars are solving tomorrow’s problems today. They see safety not just as a moral issue, but as a strategic imperative.”
Tingban also lauded the Chinese government for its warmth and diplomatic hospitality throughout the training program, noting that the visit had forged both personal and professional bonds.
“From the moment we arrived, China’s overwhelming hospitality wrapped us in a feeling of home,” he said.
“Walking the Great Wall and visiting the Communist Party Museum reminded us that the strongest walls aren’t made of stone—they are built from shared purpose and common goals.”
He proposed expanding Liberia-China cooperation to include joint emergency simulations, technical exchanges, and regional knowledge hubs that can help other African countries improve their mining safety standards.
“Liberia and China don’t just share trade ties,” he added. “We now share the knowledge and the will to protect our most precious resource: human life.”
As Tingban returns to Monrovia, expectations are high for implementation. According to the Assistant Minister, the next steps will include inter-agency consultations, pilot projects in high-risk mining zones, and the integration of digital monitoring tools across both artisanal and large-scale mining operations.
“This training was a blueprint,” Tingban concluded. “Now it’s time to build.”
Liberia’s mining industry—rich in gold, iron ore, and other resources—has long been a driver of economic activity, but safety and emergency preparedness have lagged dangerously behind. Recent mine collapses and fatalities have sparked public concern and calls for reform.
The new safety-first approach championed by Minister Tingban signals a potential turning point: a mining reboot that begins not with more extraction, but with more protection.
