Overview
The western part of Liberia is underlain by an Archaean age craton that is also present in neighbouring Sierra Leone and Guinea, making it highly prospective for hosting diamondiferous kimberlites. The areas along and between the Lofa river and the border with Sierra Leone have been mined by artisinals for several years, including during periods of civil unrest. Areas around Gbapa and Takpormah have been known as Liberia’s principal alluvial mining centers during the 1980’s. Diamond production estimates are extremely difficult, since traditionally much of the Liberian production results from smuggled stones originating from neighbouring Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea. Production in 2001 was estimated at 155 000 ct. On average, 25% of Liberia’s diamonds are of gem quality, 40% of near gem and 35% of industrial quality.
In June 2004 the UN Security Council ruled that peace in Liberia is still too fragile for sanctions on diamond and timber exports to be lifted. Liberia was also been suspended by the Kimberley Process because it would not allow monitoring of its diamond trade. The country has been a major outlet for conflict diamonds mined in Sierra Leone, which claims it has stamped out the conflict diamond trade.
The only really active foreign company in Liberia, Mano River Resources has to date located a total of six kimberlites on their Kpo Range diamond prospect. The kimberlites could be a possible source to the numerous alluvial showings in the area. Mano River have also reported the recovery of several kimberlitic indicator minerals on their Bea Mountain permit. South Africa’s Trans Hex Group has entered into an agreement with Mano River over the evaluation of the Kpo kimberlite cluster.
During 2004 Diamond Fields International Ltd. entered into an option agreement with the Liberian-based Ducor Minerals Inc., under which it may earn an interest in Ducor’s rights under two Mineral Exploration Agreements between Ducor and the Republic of Liberia. The Gbapolu and Grand Gedeh Properties cover a total area of 1813.72 km(2) and are prospective for both diamonds and gold.
Facilities (3)
Bong, King George-Larjor, Mount Nimba
