By Ibrahim Sesay
The National Minerals Agency, in collaboration with the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, has commenced a four-day training workshop aimed at strengthening environmental management capacity among newly recruited geologists, engineers and key stakeholders within Sierra Leone’s environmental sector.
The workshop, which is being held from April 20 to 23, 2026, at the Country Lodge Hotel, seeks to enhance technical expertise and promote responsible environmental governance across the country’s mining industry. The initiative comes at a time when Sierra Leone continues to place increased emphasis on sustainable resource management and environmental protection.
Delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony, Director General of the National Minerals Agency, Ing Hadji Dabo, described the training as a significant step in ensuring that Sierra Leone’s mineral resources are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner for the long-term benefit of its citizens. He noted that the country’s mining sector is currently at a critical juncture following the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, emphasizing that while robust legal frameworks are essential, their effectiveness depends largely on the competence and commitment of professionals tasked with implementation.
Ing Hadji Dabo explained that the training programme has been carefully structured to provide participants with practical knowledge in key areas such as water management, waste management, biodiversity conservation, mine closure and rehabilitation. He further commended the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining for its continued partnership, highlighting its global role in supporting Governments to advance sound mining governance and sustainable development practices.
Addressing the newly recruited engineers and geologists, Ing Hadji Dabo urged them to approach the workshop with seriousness and dedication, stressing that the knowledge gained would form an integral part of their professional responsibilities. He underscored the critical role environmental officers play in safeguarding communities, protecting water resources and preserving ecosystems impacted by mining activities, adding that active participation throughout the training was essential to achieving its objectives.
Also speaking at the event, Director of Mines, Peter Kapr Bangura, encouraged participants to fully utilize the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. He noted that the mining sector remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s economy, contributing significantly to national revenue generation, employment and overall development, while reiterating the importance of maintaining high environmental standards.
The training programme is structured to provide both theoretical and practical exposure, with the first day focusing on water management, including legal frameworks, water rights, quality control, quantity assessment and international best practices. Subsequent sessions will address waste management and biodiversity conservation, while participants are also expected to undertake a field visit to an iron ore mining operation site to gain hands-on experience. The final phase of the workshop will concentrate on mine closure principles, site rehabilitation and post-mining land use planning.
The initiative is expected to contribute meaningfully to the National Minerals Agency’s broader objective of strengthening environmental monitoring, improving regulatory enforcement and fostering closer collaboration with institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency and other key actors within Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
