By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
The Chief Technical Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group, Salim Sillah, has praised the ongoing transformation of Sierra Leone’s mining sector, describing the current period as one of the most promising in the country’s mining history.
Mr. Sillah made these remarks during a special press conference organized as part of Mining Week by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and hosted by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, at the Bintumani Conference Centre.
Speaking on the theme, “Our Mineral Resources: Responsible Mining, Value Multiplication, and Shared Prosperity,” Sillah highlighted significant improvements in mining governance, investor confidence, and community engagement across the sector.
Reflecting on his more than two decades of experience in the mining industry, he stated that he had never felt prouder of the sector because of the reforms and progress achieved in recent years. “After more than 20 years in this industry, I can confidently say this is one of the most encouraging periods for mining in Sierra Leone,” he said. “The laws, regulations, and systems have improved significantly, and the sector is gaining international respect.”
Sillah commended the Government of Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Mines, and sector regulators for creating a more investor-friendly environment that continues to attract major international investments into the country.
According to him, reforms aimed at reducing bureaucracy and digitizing mining information systems have enhanced transparency and minimized opportunities for fraud and malpractice.
“These reforms have made Sierra Leone more attractive to investors,” he explained. “Access to information is easier, processes are clearer, and investors now have greater confidence in the system.”
He also emphasized the importance of secure tenure for mining licenses, noting that stronger legal protections now assure investors that their investments are safeguarded.
Addressing the relationship between mining companies and host communities, Sillah said there has been notable progress in stakeholder engagement and consultation processes. He explained that companies are increasingly collaborating with chiefs, landowners, and local communities, resulting in improved cooperation and fewer conflicts that previously delayed mining operations.
“Communities are now more empowered because consultation processes and surface rights are being taken seriously before licenses are granted,” he stated.
The mining executive further highlighted the growing role of mining companies in supporting local development through Community Development Agreements (CDAs), corporate social responsibility initiatives, and other financial contributions that directly benefit host communities.
Sillah added that Sierra Leone’s mining reforms and transparency measures are increasingly being recognized and admired by other African countries. However, he stressed the need for greater public awareness about how the mining sector operates, particularly the systems used to monitor mineral exports and government revenues.
On the issue of value addition, he underscored the government’s push for mining companies to process minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials. According to him, Africa’s long-term development depends on industrialization and local value addition.
“We cannot continue exporting raw materials forever,” Sillah noted. “Real development will come when we process our minerals locally, create jobs, and build industries within Africa.”
He concluded by describing the conference as an important platform for dialogue among mining executives, government officials, civil society representatives, and citizens. He added that such engagements are essential for deepening public understanding of the mining industry and its role in promoting responsible mining and shared prosperity in Sierra Leone.