By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A major step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s capacity to sustainably manage its mineral wealth has been taken as the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), on behalf of the Government of Sierra Leone, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China University of Geosciences (CUG). The agreement, concluded on Thursday, 4 December 2025, marks a new phase of cooperation in geosciences education, research and industry-focused skills development.
The partnership aligns with the Government’s drive to build a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting responsible mineral exploration, extraction and resource governance. CUG, ranked No. 1 globally in Geosciences in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings; brings to the collaboration world-class expertise in geology, mining engineering and applied earth sciences.
Under the MoU, the China University of Geosciences will award annual Master’s and Doctoral scholarships to Sierra Leonean professionals pursuing advanced studies in geosciences and mining-related fields. The agreement further provides opportunities for short- and long-term professional development, tailored training programs, internship placements and collaborative research initiatives.
A key feature of the partnership is the introduction of a dual-supervisor model linked to the China Geological Survey. This arrangement will enable Sierra Leonean students to undertake geological survey projects in Sierra Leone while receiving joint academic and technical guidance from experts in both countries.
To ensure seamless coordination and accountability, the MoU establishes institutional mechanisms between MMMR and CUG for implementation oversight, periodic evaluation and program expansion. The cooperation is also expected to extend to the University of Sierra Leone’s Department of Geology, particularly in areas of curriculum enhancement, academic exchanges, resource-sharing and the provision of modern teaching and learning materials.
Officials from the Ministry described the agreement as a transformative opportunity to strengthen local content, advance scientific capacity and create a pipeline of trained geoscience professionals who will support the nation’s long-term mineral sector development.
The signing of the MoU signals Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to strategic international partnerships that bolster human capital, drive innovation and promote sustainable resource governance.
