SCAMS INVOLVING INDIVIDUALS AND COMPANIES CLAIMING TO HAVE PRECIOUS MINERALS FOR SALE OR MINING OPPORTUNITIES TO BE EXPLOITED

Freetown, 5th March 2018. The National Minerals Agency (NMA) wishes to advise the general public of several scams involving individuals and companies claiming to be engaged in exploration, mining or minerals trading in Sierra Leone.

These individuals and companies often claim to have precious minerals (gold or diamonds) of very high value, for sale at prices far below the prevailing market price; or of having mining opportunities to be exploited at substantial profits for small investments. Fake documents are often presented to the intended victims to back such claims. The intended victims are then lured into parting with money either as advance payment for precious minerals or as investment in a fake mining venture.

In the last year, the NMA has received several reports from individuals who have been defrauded of thousands of dollars in one or both of the scams mentioned above.

The Public is, therefore, hereby advised to exercise greatest caution and due diligence when dealing with anyone claiming to have precious minerals for sale or mining opportunities to be exploited in Sierra Leone.

As part of due diligence checks, potential investors are strongly advised to always contact the National Minerals Agency before trading or investing in the minerals sector in Sierra Leone.

For investment in the minerals sector in Sierra Leone, always go directly to the office of the National Minerals Agency at New England Ville in Freetown, or contact us via email at info@nma.gov.sl.

Please be guided accordingly.

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HEAD OFFICE: New England Ville, Freetown – Tel. +232 79 – 250 702