By Foday Moriba Conteh
As part of their aim towards establishing a robust and actionable framework to guide the sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s mining sector in order to align the growth of the mining industry with the country’s broader economic goals and international best practices, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the National Mineral Agency (NMA) will today Friday 16th August, 2014 conclude a three day retreat. The event themed: “Shaping the Future of Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector: Strategic Planning and Policy Development for Sustainable Growth,” commenced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Sierra Palm Resort at Aberdeen in Freetown.
In his remarks during the opening ceremony, the Director General of the National Mineral Agency, Ing. Alhaji Daboh emphasized the critical importance of Sierra Leone’s mineral sector, describing it as the nation’s “breadbasket.”
However, he acknowledged that the sector has not yet delivered the expected benefits to the citizens. He also expressed optimism about the current strategic planning and policy development efforts for sustainable growth, stating, “I am impressed and, above all, happy that the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Mineral Agency are committed to working together to achieve the goals set for this retreat. This collaborative approach puts us in an advantageous position. We’ve chosen a secluded environment for this retreat to minimize distractions and focus on our objectives.”
The Director General further highlighted that the ongoing three-day deliberation is crucial in addressing the challenges that have hindered the full potential of the mining sector. “The mining sector is the breadbasket of this nation, but the citizens have yet to see its true benefits. This retreat is a step toward changing that narrative,” DG Daboh remarked, praising the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources for his innovative leadership in initiating the retreat.
Alhaji M. Turay, Chairman of the National Mineral Agency Board, echoed these sentiments, noting that the event underscores their commitment to advancing the mineral sector. He acknowledged the sector’s significant contributions to national revenue and employment but emphasized that there is still much room for improvement. “While the mineral sector presents both challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that we create an environment conducive to attracting Foreign Direct Investments,” the Chairman stated.
He also highlighted the country’s vast resources, including diamonds, bauxite, iron ore, gold and the recently discovered nickel. “The National Mineral Agency is committed to enhancing our strategy, promoting transparency and efficiency as well as collaborating closely with all stakeholders to achieve our goals. This retreat is an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for improvement and chart a course for a prosperous mineral sector that can unlock the full potential of our resources and create lasting benefits for our nation and its people,” Alhaji Turay said.
He further acknowledged the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai, as the architect of the retreat, stating that his leadership would guide them toward success. Reflecting on the history of mining in Sierra Leone, he noted that despite the country’s abundance of world-class minerals, the sector has not contributed significantly to national development. “Our minerals have enriched other countries, including The Gambia, Ivory Coast, Liberia and even the United States, due to a lack of the correct strategy,” he lamented.
In his keynote address, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius D. Mattai, emphasized that the three-day retreat aims to align the growth of Sierra Leone’s mining sector with national economic objectives and international best practices. He highlighted key goals, including enhancing governance, transparency and accountability, as well as promoting investment and innovation in mining operations.
The Minister noted that the retreat involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of the mining sector’s current state, engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders in the strategic planning process and establishing clear targets and timelines for sustainable development. He described the retreat as a crucial step towards ensuring that Sierra Leone’s mining industry continues to contribute positively to the nation’s economy while upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability.
He also underscored the collective responsibility of all participants to ensure the effective, efficient and transparent management of the mining sector. “With your passion, commitment and best abilities, we can properly manage the mining sector,” Julius Mattai stated. He further committed to addressing the sector’s challenges; including eliminating leakages and ensuring that funds disbursed to communities are utilized effectively.
Other stakeholders, including Ambassador Sahr Jonny, Board Chairman of MAB and Hon. Emmerson S. Lamina, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, also delivered statements at the opening ceremony.
The ceremony featured presentations on various topics, including An Overview of the Development of the Strategic Plan for the Mines and Mineral sector by Peter K. Bangura, An Overview of the Development of Critical or Strategic Mineral Policy by Prince Cuffey and Dr. John D. Cooper and the Sierra Leone Mines & Mineral Policy by Alhaji S. Bah. These presentations were followed by group discussions and reporting sessions.
