Monrovia, Liberia — Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy has confirmed a significant gold discovery by Gem Rocks Mining Resources, a subsidiary of Zodiac Gold, Inc., marking a potentially transformative moment for the nation’s mining industry.
The discovery, made at the company’s Arthington target in Montserrado County, has been verified by a high-level government delegation that visited the site on August 2, 2025. The delegation included three deputy ministers and senior technical staff, who reviewed Gem Rocks’ exploration operations, geological data, and lab-tested core samples as part of a formal due diligence process required for a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
In addition to Arthington, the company has identified promising gold targets at multiple sites, including Ben-Ben, Feh-Feh, Youth Camp, Alasala, and Alasala South, as part of its broader systematic exploration program launched in 2021.
Government Oversight and Industry Standards
The Ministry emphasized that while it welcomes increased interest in Liberia’s mineral potential, all companies seeking Class ‘A’ Mining Licenses must undergo rigorous scrutiny. Applications for Mineral Development Agreements must demonstrate economic viability, technical capacity, and adherence to sustainable environmental practices in line with Liberia’s Exploration Regulations (2010) and the Minerals and Mining Law (2000).
“This verification is a standard procedure applied to all exploration companies seeking MDAs,” the Ministry stated, signaling its intent to ensure transparency, compliance, and sustainable development in the extractive sector.
Economic Implications
The confirmed discovery holds immense potential for Liberia’s economy, offering prospects for job creation, infrastructure development, and increased government revenue. Officials have pledged to ensure that Liberia’s mineral wealth benefits the broader population through responsible oversight and equitable development strategies.
Gem Rocks has expressed a desire to finalize its MDA with the government as swiftly as possible, stating that the company is committed to operating with integrity, safeguarding employee welfare, maintaining positive community relations, and minimizing environmental impact.
About Gem Rocks
A privately funded junior exploration company based in Liberia, Gem Rocks currently holds three highly prospective exploration licenses covering 1,600 square kilometers. Its flagship license, known as “Mt Coffee,” lies just 30 kilometers north of Monrovia. The company aims to develop a long-term, cost-effective growth strategy through responsible exploration and strategic acquisitions.
Verification Team Members
The Ministry’s verification team included:
- William S. Hines, Deputy Minister for Operations
- Fahnseth B. Mulbah, Deputy Minister for Planning, Research, and Development
- Oliver S. Gbegbe, Assistant Minister for Mineral Exploration and Environmental Research
- Carlos Edison Tingban, Assistant Minister for Mines
- Anthony Kullie, Director, Liberia Geological Survey
- Alwell Aloysius Carr, Director of Mines
- Medecy Hessou, Assistant Director, LGS
- Koakun Emmanuel Myers, Chief Geologist
- James Smith, Chief Mining Engineer
Their involvement underscores the seriousness with which the government is approaching mining sector development and due diligence in resource management.
As Gem Rocks moves closer to securing its MDA, the company’s progress will be closely watched by investors and development stakeholders alike; eager to see if this discovery will catalyze a new chapter in Liberia’s mineral economy.
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