The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) wish to inform the Public that information going around that the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources has stopped all mining activities in Kono is totally false and very misleading.
The MMMR and the NMA wish to clarify that, as a strategy to increase Government revenue from the minerals sector, and to ensure that Sierra Leoneans get maximum benefits from our mineral wealth, the NMA has embarked on a massive clampdown on illegal mining activities across the country. Illegal mining operations create serious environmental problems and deprive Government of much needed revenue. The NMA is therefore working with the Sierra Leone Police to arrest and prosecute all those engaged in mining activities without a valid license. This operation does not affect individuals and companies with valid mining licenses, and they are encouraged to go about their normal business according to law.
The MMMR and the NMA also hereby advise all individuals and companies with valid mining licences to operate strictly within the scope of their licenses. Artisanal miners, for example, are warned that it is outside the scope of their license to use heavy machinery in their operations, or to go beyond a depth of 10 meters. Any individual or company found operating outside the scope of their license will be arrested and prosecuted.
The public must note that Section 21 (2) of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 clearly states that:
“No person shall explore for or mine minerals except under and in accordance with a mineral right granted under this Act.”
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources is therefore pleased to inform the public that the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources has not, and has no intention to, stop legitimate mining operations in the country. The NMA is implementing the law to ensure that only licensed individuals and companies engage in mining activities in a responsible and sustainable manner, so that Sierra Leoneans will derive maximum benefits from our mineral wealth.
For further information, please contact
Mr. Ibrahim Satti Kamara
Director of Community Affairs and Communication
National Minerals Agency
New England Ville
Freetown.
Email: iskamara@nma.gov.sl Tel: +232 79 252446
