Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has highlighted the government’s significant reforms in managing critical minerals during the Commonwealth high-level roundtable meeting. This session, held as part of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF) 20th Annual General Meeting, aims to develop a comprehensive handbook to guide member states in managing critical minerals for the global energy transition.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has been instrumental in providing technical assistance to member states in the energy and extractive sectors particularly Sierra Leone, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Koroma emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering international cooperation and strengthening frameworks for critical mineral management. He noted that Sierra Leone’s active participation in such dialogues is a significant step toward aligning national practices with global best standards.
Minister Koroma acknowledged the complex economic, social, and environmental challenges of the modern world, underscoring the importance of platforms like the Commonwealth Secretariat in building trust, enhancing technical partnerships, and providing multilateral solutions.
Sierra Leone’s dedication to sustainable mining practices has been demonstrated through progressive policies, particularly the new Mines and Minerals Act 2022, which replaces the 2009 legislation. This updated Act introduces stringent provisions to guide the exploration, development, and export of minerals while ensuring socio-economic benefits for mining communities.
“The Act emphasizes that the Cabinet of Sierra Leone shall not approve the declaration of a mineral as strategic unless there is strong geological data supporting reserves in sufficient quantity to justify exploitation, backed by comprehensive environmental and social cost-benefit analysis,” said Deputy Minister Koroma.
Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone’s government has implemented several reforms aligned with the Big Five Game Changers initiative. These reforms focus on improving transparency and accountability in the mining sector, ensuring community development through socio-economic empowerment, promoting environmental sustainability to mitigate the impacts of mining activities, and enhancing employment practices to improve the welfare of affected communities.
These efforts are creating an enabling environment for investment, competitiveness, and equitable distribution of mining benefits.
Minister Koroma highlighted the critical role of the Commonwealth Secretariat in fostering technical assistance and technological advancement for developing nations like Sierra Leone. The Secretariat’s efforts to provide legal protection, attract investment, and promote market expansion are transformative tools for rebuilding socio-economic infrastructure and achieving sustainable development goals.
Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to greater collaboration among Commonwealth member states, particularly in managing critical minerals to support the global energy transition.
Credit
Mohamed Sheriff, Information Attaché, Geneva, Switzerland