President Bio Calls for Responsible Mining to Empower Local Communities

By sulaiman.sesay@awokonewspaper.sl

Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio has declared Sierra Leone’s mineral resources “sacred gifts” that must be managed responsibly to transform local communities through critical development projects in education, infrastructure, and essential services.

The President made the remarks during the opening of Sierra Leone Mining Week at the Bintumani Conference Centre, where he outlined his vision for a mining sector that drives real socio-economic progress for the nation.

With Sierra Leone’s economy heavily reliant on its mineral wealth—including diamonds, gold, and rutile—President Bio stressed the need to move beyond merely exporting raw materials.

“We must shift from digging and shipping to cutting, polishing, and adding value right here in Sierra Leone,” he said. “Our diamonds should not just leave our shores; they should create jobs, industries, and lasting prosperity for our people.”

Despite the sector’s economic contributions, the President acknowledged past struggles with revenue mismanagement, weak oversight, and limited benefits for mining communities.

“Good governance is non-negotiable,” he asserted. “Our natural resources must translate into better schools, reliable electricity, clean water, and roads that serve our people long after mining projects end.”

He highlighted recent legal reforms aimed at improving transparency and ensuring mining revenues directly support local development.

President Bio challenged mining companies to expand their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, urging them to invest in sustainable community projects that endure beyond the life of a mine.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, reinforced this message, warning that while mining creates jobs, irresponsible practices can devastate ecosystems and livelihoods.

The National Minerals Agency (NMA) Director General, Engineer Alhaji Darboh, called for stronger partnerships between government, industry, and communities to ensure mining benefits reach all Sierra Leoneans.

As Sierra Leone Mining Week continues, stakeholders are expected to explore innovative strategies for sustainable mining, local empowerment, and economic diversification—a crucial step toward ensuring the nation’s mineral wealth truly enriches its people. SKS/11/4/2025