By: Abdulai Sankoh.
The National Mineral Agency and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources have concluded a successful National Mining Week, which took place at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen, Freetown.
It brought together stakeholders from across the mining sector to highlight progress, innovation, and sustainability in the industry.
The event was aimed to promote dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among government officials, mining companies, researchers, investors, and community leaders. The Mining Week which featured a series of exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, environmental management, responsible mining practices, and investment opportunities.
In declaring the event open, His Excellency Rtd Julius Maada Bio, began by expressing gratitude to the National Mineral Agency and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources to organize such an event, and welcomed the distinguished delegates from the Africa Diamond Producers Association for their presence at the event.
“Our national resources are the bedrock of our shared prosperity. It must be earnest to drive sustainable development and empower every citizen. It is essential to recognize that our mineral resources are abundant and infrastructural development is crucial, especially in our local mining communities. We must empower those communities by providing essential infrastructure such as well-maintained roads, quality school and water supply systems, community building and alternative livelihood projects. Cooperate Social Responsibilities must extend well beyond the lifespan, ensuring that communities benefit from their operations to create a harmonious relationship between mining companies and local communities are essential as it drives communities to vital social licenses to operate,’’ he stated.
President Bio further said since 2018, his government has made significant strive to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework that are essential is fully harvesting the potential of the mining sector for the benefit of the people and the investors, adding that his administration has strengthening the mining industry through enhance oversight and the increase of formulated engagement and comprehensive legal and institutional reforms. To address both existing and emerging challenges, that the landmark achievements of the enactment of the Mines and Mineral act of 2022 replacing the outdated Mines and Mineral act of 2009, and his new legislation not only enhance provisions, but also aims to deliver tangible social and economic benefits to the people of Sierra Leone, and putting completing instruments such as the National Mineral Agency act of 2023 and the extractive industry act of 2018, which demonstrate my commitment to demonstrate and elevate the mining sector as a driver to sustainable development. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment for a responsible extraction, enhance transparency and foster long-term economic growth in Sierra Leone.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai emphasized the importance of the event in strengthening the sector’s contribution to national development. ‘’This Mining Week is a convergence resourceful gathering, as you all know that Sierra Leone has a unique history of diamonds. However. Sierra Leone has successfully transformed its mining industry into a force of good and prosperity. As we gathered here let us be reminded that our mineral resources are fundamental in Sierra Leone economy, offering immense potential to transform our nation’s fortune, as you witness the various minerals that has been displayed here. The potential of the Sierra Leone mineral sector is still growing, and providing livelihoods for many,’’ Minister Mattai remarked.
The Minister further maintained that the mineral sector has attracted foreign investments, and if not manage properly it would devastate the ecosystem and displaces communities, and exacerbated socioeconomic inequality. ‘’To avoid such happenings, the nation must embrace sustainable mining practices, and balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, social equity by enforcing robust regulations to prevent environmental degradation, invest on technology to minimize waste, to ensure mining revenues are invested on education, health, infrastructure, community development, building local capacity, and promoting equitable revenue sharing.
The event highlighted reforms in mining legislation and facilitated partnerships that drive value addition and local content development.
Director General of National Mineral Agency, Engineer Alhaji Kargbo, said, they are brought together visionary leaders, expert Mines and industrial pioneers to explore topics issues in the Mines and Mineral sector, and to chaired innovative approaches and launched strategic initiative like the Sierra Leone chamber of Mines, which exemplifies their dedication to fostering partnership and serves as a shining example of credibility and progressive governance of our country.
“Sierra Leone is endowed with a wealth of mineral resources, event like this mining week are critical in realizing that potential as they allow us to showcase our mineral sector with pride, emphasized our commitment of sustainable practices and invite global stakeholders to invest in the future of shared prosperity. ‘’I urge all participants to earnest the collective energy of this event to open a partnership pathway towards inclusive growth and transformative opportunities,’’ Engineer Kargbo stated.
He concluded by encouraging participants to chat the way forward during the deliberations and panel discussions sessions.
