By Ibrahim John Sesay & Esther Yeanor Kabia
Illegal gold mining has resurfaced at Lake Sonfon in Diang Chiefdom, Koinadugu District, despite Government shutdown orders issued in June and December 2024. An investigative report reveals that mining operations are once again active, this time more discreet, highly organized and allegedly backed by both local and foreign companies.
On June 18, 2024, the National Protected Areas Authority (NPAA), stopped mining operations around Lake Sonfon. Six months later on December 13, 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) ordered a complete halt to mining activities due to widespread environmental destruction and biodiversity loss. However, investigative reporters have witnessed dredging machines and artisanal pits are back at Sonfon’s shores.
Lake Sonfon, a freshwater lake covering 8.2 square kilometers, is not just Sierra Leone’s largest inland water body but also a sacred cultural site. Communities regard it as a spiritual center, while conservationists highlight its extraordinary biodiversity, including over 115 bird species and several endangered mammals.
Four communities; Mankoni, Darakuru, Segbeya and Kantanka, are directly affected over the resurgence of mining. While some residents lament the destruction of farmland, sacred sites and fishing grounds, others insist that mining is their only means of survival in a region plagued by poverty, unemployment and lack of schools or hospitals.
Pipin Jarawa, Chiefdom Speaker of Diang Chiefdom, said he was angry at foreign companies who illegally dredge Lake Sonfon. “Whenever we try to stop them, they show us a paper claiming it came from Freetown. These Chinese companies have no respect for our local people. They live near the lake and our leaders only seem to know when operations are about to begin,” he stated.
The Chiefdom Speaker also lamented the cultural and environmental destruction: “The lake is no longer safe. In the past, we saw many animals here; tortoises, pythons, crocodiles. Most have disappeared. Only the white crocodile remains and even that is under threat.”
Lamin Conteh, Town Chief of Segbeya Village, highlighted the economic losses: “This place was once known for rice and banana farming, but all of it has been destroyed. The mining is not benefiting us. Even when jobs are available, the Chinese bring in outsiders instead of employing our own children.”
Illegal mining can often bring economic benefits to affected communities through local jobs. However, many villagers, like Tidankay Sesay, Mammie Queen of Mankoni village, said they haven’t seen any financial gains.
“We are not earning income from this mining and we cannot challenge the Government. We are calling on Government to support us with money.”
Madam Tidankay Sesay also said the pollution is affecting their health.
“I am very sick because the water is polluted. I have taken almost nine drips already,” she said.
Beyond livelihoods, the cultural significance of Lake Sonfon is also under threat. A resident of Diang Chiefdom, Mohamed Turay recounted: “Lake Sonfon is one of the most traditional and cultural centers Sierra Leone should be proud of. Our ancestors once performed ceremonies here that brought blessings. Today, illegal mining has destroyed those traditions.”
Conservationists are alarmed at the ecological toll the mining is taking on the lake. Dr. Sheku Kamara, Executive Director of the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CCSL), said: “Lake Sonfon has biological, ecological and cultural importance. It is home to endemic bird species and crocodiles tied to local traditions. But large-scale mining has pushed biodiversity to the brink.”
He further warned: “The Government must step up. Mining is not just polluting the lake but also the Pampana River, which flows downstream and affects many communities. Sierra Leone has signed international treaties on biodiversity protection, yet what we see at Sonfon undermines those commitments.”
Dr. Sheku Kamara revealed that CCSL’s community sensitization once helped stop artisanal mining, but foreign-backed operations have undermined progress: “Communities feel betrayed when we tell them to stop artisanal mining while they watch Chinese companies encroaching on the lake with Government approval.”
On the Government’s side, the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) insists it is doing its part. The Governmental body was set up in 2012 to oversee and manage the country’s protected natural areas and biodiversity. Thomas Fayia Kamara, the Executive Director of NPAA, stated: “As part of our work, we have deployed Police Officers and Rangers to protect Lake Sonfon. Yes, some artisanal mining is happening outside the lake area, but heavy machine mining is not allowed. The military is also present.”
He clarified NPAA’s mandate: “We are protecting; we are not taking part in any mining. It is the NMA that issues mining licenses and only after confirming that the area is not protected. We hold meetings to ensure no licenses are issued in protected areas.”
However, residents told The Calabash Newspaper that enforcement patrols have reduced since early 2025 and claim that some officials allegedly benefit financially from the mining.
Police officers stationed at the site gave a different account. Supt. John Songbo Mansaray, Officer-in-Charge at Lake Sonfon, said: “We were instructed to stop mining with excavators, so as not to damage the lake. Since my transfer, I have not seen any Chinese workers. We patrol regularly to keep the lake secure.”
Despite assurances, evidence of resumed mining persists. Heavy machinery has been spotted near the lake, reportedly owned by Dojo Resources (SL) Limited and Cheng Li Trading Mining Company Limited and other small-scale operators. Locals claim operations will fully resume in November after the rainy season.
The Calabash Newspaper contacted Dojo Resources (SL) Limited and Cheng Li Trading Mining Company Limited for their responses to the allegations. Dojo Resources (SL) Limited declined to comment, stating that the matter is currently under Government investigation. Cheng Li Trading Mining Company Limited, on the other hand, claimed that the company is no longer operational and that its license has been revoked.
Environmentalists warn that continued mining risks irreversible damage to Lake Sonfon and the surrounding areas. Deforestation, toxic water pollution and habitat destruction are already evident.
Their fear is that without stronger enforcement, transparency and community empowerment, Lake Sonfon may lose its ecological and cultural value forever.
This investigation was supported by BBC Media Action and funded by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-funded by the European Union (EU).
