By Abdul Aziz Savage
story on the academic paper by Rev. Dr. Andrew Tamba Gbandeh-Mitta
On January 3, 2024, Rev. Dr. Andrew Tamba Gbandeh-Mitta presented a thought-provoking academic paper at Bethel University in Lagos, Nigeria, shedding light on the intricate and often devastating impacts of mining in Kono District, Sierra Leone. For decades, Kono has been synonymous with diamond mining, a source of national pride and economic promise. Yet, beneath the surface of this wealth lies a stark reality of environmental degradation, social upheaval, and economic disparity.
Kono District’s rich mineral deposits have attracted mining activities since the 1930s, fueling hopes for economic prosperity. However, the paper emphasizes that while mining has significantly contributed to Sierra Leone’s GDP, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, leaving local communities grappling with the negative consequences.
Rev. Dr. Gbandeh-Mitta’s research outlines the severe environmental impacts of mining in Kono. Deforestation, water pollution from mining tailings, and soil erosion have transformed the landscape. The natural beauty of Kono has been marred by mining activities, with wildlife habitats destroyed and biodiversity declining. The degradation of the environment poses a dire threat not only to the ecological balance but also to the livelihoods of local communities dependent on these resources.
The social ramifications are equally troubling. Mining has resulted in the displacement of local communities, who have lost their ancestral lands and traditional livelihoods. The paper highlights the heightened levels of poverty and economic inequality that have ensued, as the wealth generated from diamonds has largely bypassed the very people who call Kono home.
Communities are engulfed in social conflicts, often arising from tensions between miners, local residents, and traditional authorities. The lack of access to healthcare, education, and basic amenities exacerbates the struggle for survival, leaving many residents feeling marginalized and disenfranchised.
A focal point of the paper is the Koidu Holding Company, a subsidiary of the Octea Group, which operates the largest diamond mine in the district. Despite generating substantial revenues, the company faces criticism for its lack of transparency and accountability. With a staggering 95% ownership by Octea Group and a mere 1% benefiting local communities, the disparity is glaring.
The local populace perceives mining as a curse rather than a blessing, feeling exploited and demanding accountability and engagement from mining entities. The community’s calls for transparency echo through the valleys of Kono, as residents grapple with the adverse effects of an industry that thrives on their land yet offers them little in return.
The use of Kimber blasting—a controversial mining technique involving high explosives—has led to tragic fatalities among miners and local residents. Rev. Dr. Gbandeh-Mitta’s paper emphasizes these human rights violations, illustrating a grim reality where profit often trumps safety and ethical considerations. The stories of lost lives haunt the district, a stark reminder of the human cost of resource extraction.
In light of these findings, Rev. Dr. Gbandeh-Mitta passionately advocates for a comprehensive approach to mining in Kono. His recommendations emphasize the urgent need for environmental impact assessments, community consultations, and equitable distribution of mining benefits. He stresses the importance of holding companies accountable, providing fair compensation for displaced communities, and improving working conditions for local miners.
The paper ends with a hopeful note, urging the implementation of community-led initiatives that promote sustainable development and support alternative livelihoods. It serves as a clarion call for the government, mining companies, and local communities to work together toward a more equitable future.
In response to the escalating threat of illegal mining and environmental degradation, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of Sierra Leone has initiated decisive actions. Following a successful field trip in November 2023, the agency dismantled 80 dredges and arrested 25 individuals engaged in illegal mining. Their efforts, documented in a brief video, aim to safeguard natural resources and conserve ecosystems, reinforcing the commitment to enforce environmental laws nationwide.
As Kono District stands at a crossroads, the findings of Rev. Dr. Gbandeh-Mitta’s paper illuminate the urgent need for change. The path forward demands collective responsibility, ensuring that the wealth generated from Kono’s rich mineral deposits benefits not just a select few but the entire community, fostering a future where sustainability and equity reign supreme.