Monrovia, Oct. 2 -- Integrity Watch Liberia Executive Director Harold Marvin Aidoo is calling on the government to move cautiously in developing Liberia's emerging critical-mineral sector, warning that the country could repeat its long history of exporting valuable resources while mining communities remain poor and little wealth is retained domestically.

In a detailed policy commentary released Thursday titled "Liberia Must Not Miss the Critical Minerals Moment," Aidoo said growing global demand for minerals used in batteries, electric vehicles and renewable-energy technologies presents Liberia with another opportunity to turn its natural resources into long-term economic gains.

But he cautioned that the opportunity could become another...