By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has emerged as a leading voice in advocating for fair and progressive mining policies on the global stage. Over the past two weeks, he has made significant strides in fostering international collaboration and promoting sustainable mining practices.
Umaru Napoleon Koroma recently chaired a pivotal meeting of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) in Dubai, where he successfully advocated for the lifting of a decade-long ban on the export of rough diamonds from the Central African Republic (CAR). This ban, imposed by the Kimberley Process, a diamond certification scheme, was a result of the country’s prolonged civil conflict. With peace now restored, ADPA unanimously endorsed the CAR’s reentry into the certification scheme, a move that will enable the diamond-rich nation to regain control over its lucrative exports.
In his remarks, Umaru Napoleon Koroma emphasized the importance of equity in global mining governance. He also led ADPA’s opposition to a Western-led proposal to exclude Russia, the world’s largest producer of rough diamonds, from the Kimberley Process due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. He argued that the proposal was politically motivated and unrelated to the Kimberley Process’s core mission of preventing conflict diamonds from entering the global market.
Following his success in Dubai, Umaru Napoleon Koroma represented Sierra Leone at the 20th Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, themed: “Redefining Mining: Balancing the Need for Minerals and Protecting the Planet,” aligned closely with Sierra Leone’s vision for responsible mineral resource management under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership.
Addressing the forum, Umaru Napoleon Koroma stressed the importance of adding value to mineral resources to ensure local communities benefit from their natural wealth. “President Bio has consistently underscored the need to leverage our mineral wealth for national development,” he noted. “Sustainable mining practices that protect the environment while harnessing our resources require significant investment. We urge countries seeking Africa’s critical minerals to prioritize this approach.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Umaru Napoleon Koroma participated in a “Commonwealth High-Level Round Table”, where he articulated Sierra Leone’s stance on critical mineral governance. The discussions will inform a forthcoming Commonwealth handbook aimed at guiding member states on best practices in mineral resource management.
Umaru Napoleon Koroma’s global engagements underscore his commitment to promoting Sierra Leone’s interests while championing sustainable and equitable mining practices. As he wraps up his international engagements, Umaru Napoleon Koroma is preparing to welcome a high-level delegation of 20 Indian investors to Sierra Leone. This visit, resulting from his recent outreach in India, is aimed at exploring investment opportunities in Sierra Leone’s untapped mineral sector.
With his dynamic leadership and tireless advocacy, Deputy Minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma continues to shine as a trailblazer, elevating Sierra Leone’s profile in global mining diplomacy.
