Post a comment
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, underscored his country’s commitment to critical mineral reforms during a high-level Commonwealth roundtable at the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF) 20th Annual General Meeting.
The session focused on developing a comprehensive handbook to guide member states in managing minerals critical to the global energy transition.
Deputy Minister Koroma highlighted Sierra Leone’s efforts to align its mineral management practices with global standards, emphasizing the country’s leadership in sustainable mining reforms. “Platforms like the Commonwealth Secretariat play a vital role in building trust, enhancing technical partnerships, and fostering multilateral solutions,” Koroma stated, noting the challenges posed by modern economic, social, and environmental complexities.
At the core of Sierra Leone’s agenda is the Mines and Minerals Act 2022, a landmark update replacing the 2009 legislation. The Act mandates stringent environmental and social cost-benefit analyses before mineral exploitation is approved. “Strategic minerals can only be declared following robust geological data and comprehensive assessments,” Koroma stressed.
Under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, the government has implemented the Big Five Game Changers initiative to enhance transparency, accountability, and socio-economic benefits in mining. Key reforms include community empowerment programs, environmental sustainability measures, and policies to improve employment practices.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has played a critical role in facilitating Sierra Leone’s progress. Through technical assistance and support for legal frameworks, the Secretariat has bolstered Sierra Leone’s ability to attract investment and navigate challenges in the energy and extractive sectors.
Koroma reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to collaborative solutions, emphasizing that managing critical minerals responsibly is essential to the global energy transition and sustainable development goals.
