Liberia Lifts Moratorium on Diamond Mining, Trading

Liberia has lifted its self-imposed moratorium on the mining, sale and export of diamonds that has been in place for six years. Kpandeh Fayia, deputy minister of lands, mines and energy, told the Associated Press that, "as of Monday, people can start applying for mining, selling and broker licenses.”

In late April, following steps taken by the current Liberian government to ensure regulation, the UN lifted its sanctions on Liberian diamonds, which it had imposed in May 2001. The ban was placed in response to ex-President Charles Taylor’s use of revenue from the stones to fuel conflict in neighboring Sierra Leone.

After the UN imposed the sanctions, Liberia placed a moratorium on all mining activities in an effort to show compliance.

In early May, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf formally opened 10 diamond screening and evaluation offices in the country, marking the first step toward restarting the industry.

Taylor is currently standing trial in The Hague for his actions in Sierra Leone.