For nearly a century, Sierra Leone’s mining policies have been crafted primarily to serve colonial and foreign interests, failing to adequately address the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced at both national and local levels. As a result, local communities, especially those residing in mining enclaves, receive minimal benefits, and the government overall misses out on significant revenue. The major issues associated with the existing policies include:
The opacity surrounding mining and fishing contracts, as well as revenue generation, raises concerns about corruption and mismanagement.
While mining and fishing companies operate in Sierra Leone, they often provide only low-wage jobs and minimal economic benefits to local communities, with the bulk of profits flowing to foreign investors.
Mining and poor fishing practices lead to environmental damage, community displacement, and water pollution, adversely affecting the livelihoods of local residents in both coastal and mining regions.
The government may not be capturing sufficient revenue from mining operations due to dubious deals and tax exemptions, particularly concerning assets and property, resulting in lost potential income.
Local communities are frequently excluded from decision-making processes regarding mining operations, fostering mistrust and conflict.
Mining companies often fail to provide adequate training and skill development for local employees, limiting their ability to benefit from the industry.
Mining companies may not contribute meaningfully to local infrastructure projects, such as roads, healthcare, and education facilities.
Mining operations often lead to community displacement without sufficient resettlement or compensation measures.
Mining activities can pose significant health and safety hazards to local communities, including exposure to toxic substances.
The economy remains overly dependent on mining and fishing, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global commodity prices.
There is a notable lack of policies aimed at adding value to Sierra Leone’s minerals and agricultural products, creating a gap in valuable skills, job opportunities, and sustainable energy initiatives.
Despite covering 200 nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean, Sierra Leone possesses vast potential in oil, gas, metals, and rich marine biodiversity. However, there is no clear link between academic institutions and this potential wealth. Current academic programs do not align with job market needs, leaving the state and universities without comprehensive data on natural resources.
To address these pressing concerns, the government of Sierra Leone could consider pausing all mining activities for a considerable period to facilitate comprehensive national consultations aimed at revising agricultural, environmental, and mining policies. The focus should prioritize creating synergies between agriculture and mining while centralizing value addition for critical minerals, agricultural products, and marine resources. Additionally, establishing a mining university with a marine campus would underscore the importance of transparency, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and local economic benefits.I remain committed to advocating for the people, ensuring that their voices are heard and that their needs are prioritized in the pursuit of sustainable development