The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, alongside the National Minerals Agency (NMA), has issued a press release regarding a recent incident involving a stone found in Kerry Town that was initially believed to be a diamond.

On October 28, 2024, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) presented a smooth, irregularly shaped, transparent white stone for examination. This stone was brought in by D/P.C. 13846 Ngaujah, accompanied by two individuals, Yusuf Conteh and Mohamed Kamara, who claimed to have discovered it.

To ascertain the nature of the stone, the NMA utilized a Presidium Duotester, a specialized device designed to measure thermal conductivity, which is essential in determining if a stone is a diamond. The testing process was conducted in the presence of both the police officer and the claimants.

Following the examination, the results confirmed that the stone is not a diamond. Subsequently, the NMA returned the stone to the police officer and the individuals who claimed to have found it, who left the NMA’s premises together.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources encourages the public to rely on official channels for accurate information and verification concerning minerals and mining activities.