By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

Parliament has taken a tough stance against mining companies that have failed to pay their license fees. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) summoned 20 mining companies for owing several hundred thousand leones to the National Minerals Agency (NMA).

These companies must appear before the PAC on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Parliament’s Administrative Building in Freetown.

According to the Finance Act of 2022 and the Income Tax Act of 2000, unpaid mining dues are considered tax debts. The law clearly states, Income that is due and payable shall be the debt owed to Sierra Leone and shall be payable to the Commissioner General.

PAC Chairman, Hon. Lahai Marah, stressed that this is not just about collecting money but about holding companies accountable.

This is about accountability and making sure government gets the money it needs for national development. Mining companies should not enjoy our resources without paying their fair share, he said.

The Committee is using its legal powers under Section 93 of the 1991 Constitution and Parliament’s Standing Orders to make sure companies honor their financial obligations.

Some of the largest debts include Le500,000 from cheng Li trading mining company, Le99,761 from Sierra Sand Mining Investment company, and Le99,460 from WGT Minerals company, other defaulters include Dayu Mining Company, Dojo Resources (SL) Limited, Sierra Minerals Holdings, and J.M. Mining Kenema (SL) Limited, among others.

The PAC warned that if these companies do not show up or pay what they owe, Parliament will take further action, which could include legal penalties.

This is part of a larger push to improve how Sierra Leone manages its natural resources and to make sure mining companies contribute to the country’s development. The move is seen as an important step toward greater transparency and ensuring that Sierra Leone benefits from its mineral wealth.