Illegal Gold and Diamond Mining by Chinese Company Exposed in Kenema

An alleged case of illegal gold and diamond mining involving an unidentified Chinese company has been uncovered in Lowuma village, Koya Chiefdom, Kenema District, sparking tension and concern among local residents over environmental damage and lack of community consent.

Lowuma, a community of more than 300 residents, has been thrown into turmoil following reports by Truth Media that heavy mining machinery, including excavators, was used along the village’s river and stream to extract diamonds and gold.

The water sources, which residents depend on for drinking, domestic use and farming, were reportedly backfilled and damaged during the operations. The affected river also serves as a natural boundary between Nyawa and Koya chiefdoms.

Town Chief Musa Dorwai confirmed that the mining activities were known to traditional authorities. He said Paramount Chief Al-Amin Kanneh, who also serves as a Member of Parliament for Kenema District, and Paramount Chief Mariama Taimeh of Nyawa and Koya chiefdoms had informed him about the situation.

“PC Mariama Taimeh came to me and informed me about the mining. Later, we saw the Chinese men with machines already at the water side. The Chinese gave us nineteen thousand leones for our plantations they destroyed during the clearing of the road leading to the stream,” Chief Dorwai confirmed.

The issue was later escalated to Justice Francis Banks Kamara, who convened a stakeholders’ meeting in an attempt to address the growing concerns surrounding the mining activities.

Local youths expressed anger and disappointment, accusing authorities of allowing mining to take place without informing or consulting the community. One youth said the lack of transparency had deepened mistrust.

“We don’t even know the name of the company. They have not spoken to us nor employed anyone here. Let the government intervene now. We don’t want them here!” the youth said.

On 12 January 2026, officials from the National Disaster Management Agency, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Minerals Agency, together with the relevant paramount chiefs, visited Lowuma village for a community engagement. According to sources present, the meeting ended without a clear resolution.

Efforts by Truth Media to speak directly with the Chinese nationals involved were unsuccessful. Reports later emerged alleging that the EPA had arrested the miners in Kenema. However, EPA Regional Manager Ishmael Jalloh denied those claims. He clarified that no arrests had been made, but confirmed that the agency had ordered all mining activities to cease until proper legal and environmental procedures are followed.

As investigations continue, residents of Lowuma remain worried about the destruction of their farmland and water sources. The continued silence surrounding the identity and legal status of the mining company has intensified calls for urgent government action to protect the community and enforce mining and environmental laws in the area.