Since the UN-ban on timber has been lifted, it is the objective of the new Government of Liberia to sell logging/timber concessions. Generally the export of raw logs is forbidden under International Tropical Timber Organization and African Timber Organization guidelines, but for the coming 2 years Libera has dispensation to accelerate its economic development rapidly. Still it is an explicit policy and post-war strategy to increase local wood transformation, value-added employment for the local population and an active forestry recovery program. The most feasible and perhaps best solution is to renovate the former VAMPLY plywood factory in Buchanan or to construct a complete new factory. Tropical wood is highly prized on the global market and Liberia has huge resources. When managed in a responsible way by replanting and nurturing, also local mills can process timber for export, bringing jobs and money. The urgent need for human shelter requires the manufacturing of trusses, beams, studs and columns as well as window, doorframes, sidings and other housing components.

Due to superb relations inside the new Government of Liberia, MPI is in the privileged position to have access to strategic information enabling to successfully obtain (5) quality concessions in Southeast Liberia. The area varies between 2,500,000 acres (900,000 hectares) to 4,000,000 acres (1.44 million hectares). An other feasible area would be the forests extending into Sierra Leone representing the second largest remaining forest block in humid West Africa. This block consists of 8 regular concessions and 4 salvage permits.

TIMBER SALES CONTRACT (TSC):

MPI is registered at the FDA (Forest Development Agency) as a Liberian Logging & Timber company and entered the pre-qualification round for 5 TSCs (Timber Sales Contracts). There are 5,000 hectare forest areas located in various political sub-division in Liberia. Deforestation contract endures for 3 years and Liberian shareholder capacity must be 51% minimum. This area is subject to competitive bidding and is authorized exclusively by the FDA. Reforestation is done by the FDA. Estimated yield per hectare: 21 m3 (6 to 8 feasible trees, each average 3,5 cub per tree). Available species are: TETRA – NIAGON – AFZELIA – AKO – BOMBOK – NAGA – CANARIUM – CEIBA – IROKO – APOME – MOVINGUI – FARO – DID – TIAMA – KOSIPO – SAPELE – SIPO – TALI – LIMBALI – BOSSE – KHAYA – EKKI – LOVOA – ABURA – KUSIA – KOTIBE – DAHOME – ILOMBA – FRAMIRE – FRAKE –MAKORE – KOTO – AKATIO – ANINERE – ETIOMOE – POCOULI.

FOREST MANAGEMENT CONTRACT (FMC):

These are 50,000 – 400,000 hectares areas presently located in (3) three areas of Liberia and can be contracted by foreign companies, considering the massive investment required. There are also competitively bid for and contract must be signed by the President of Liberia and ratified by the National Legislature after being approved by the FDA.

PAPER MILL: To produce paper from pulpwood does not require cutting the rainforest. New techniques make it possible to use scrap wood and pulpwood for processing. Liberia has the proper climate and soil for the production of pulpwood and it doesn’t take big investments and maintenance.

WOOD PELLETS: The wood pellet fuel market continues to grow, serving emerging markets in the Far East and other parts of the world. Wood pellets are used for firing massive generators to rpovide power to millions of people. In North America, as access to affordable, efficient power of pallets is growing. The market is that big, most producers sell their entire annual production before commencing. Wood pellets can be produced from sawdust mixed with a binding agent from cassava starch which is also an organic source.