By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone is seeking to ensure that diamond trading delivers greater benefits to mining communities through improved traceability, responsible sourcing, formalization of artisanal mining and increased local value addition.
The initiative was discussed on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the National Minerals Agency (NMA) and nine members of the Peace Diamond Trade Mission. The mission, organised by the Rapaport Group and Empower Africa, visited Sierra Leone from October 11 to 16, 2026.
Chairing the meeting at the Ministry’s conference room, NMA Deputy Director-General Kelvin Anderson identified the formalization of artisanal mining, improved diamond traceability, the reduction of fraud and smuggling, and increased local value addition as key priorities for developing the country’s diamond sector.
Anderson said progress was being made on the Peace Diamond Village initiative in Koryardu, Kono District, but acknowledged that more needed to be done to ensure diamond-producing communities benefited directly from the sector.
He encouraged members of the delegation to conduct business through official channels, invest in skills development and local value addition, and accurately communicate Sierra Leone’s diamond story to international markets.
Anderson also highlighted the country’s efforts to move beyond its conflict-diamond legacy towards responsible trading; noting that promoting the origin and history of Sierra Leone’s natural diamonds could help strengthen their position in international markets amid growing competition from laboratory-grown alternatives.
Empower Africa Chief Executive Officer Ezi Rapaport said he was encouraged by the commitment demonstrated by government officials and community stakeholders towards advancing the Peace Diamond initiative.
He explained that the initiative was designed to demonstrate how the government and artisanal miners could work together transparently to promote community development.
Rapaport expressed hope that the Peace Diamond Village model would show how proceeds from natural resources could contribute to the development of the communities where those resources originate.
Professional diamond cutter Mickey Brookshire stressed the importance of communicating the origin and history of natural diamonds to consumers. He said Sierra Leone had a compelling story that could help distinguish its diamonds in the international market.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Bah, Director of Precious Mineral Trading at the NMA, said diamond revenues contribute to national development. He explained that three per cent of diamond sales royalties is allocated to the Community Development Fund, which supports development projects in mining communities.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for international jewellery professionals and other diamond industry stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Sierra Leone’s diamond sector with government officials.
The Peace Diamond initiative originated from the discovery of a 709-carat diamond by artisanal miners in Koryardu in March 2017. The stone was subsequently handed over to the Government of Sierra Leone and sold at auction in New York for approximately US$6.5 million.
The diamond became a symbol of efforts to promote responsible diamond trading and ensure that mining communities receive greater benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
Through visits to mining areas and engagements with government and industry stakeholders, the trade mission sought to strengthen links between Sierra Leone’s diamond sector and international markets while promoting responsible sourcing, transparent trading and community development.