By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant step toward promoting sustainability and accountability in Sierra Leone’s mining sector, the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), launched a five-day intensive training workshop on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The workshop focuses on implementing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Diagnostic Tool and strengthening Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. It aims to equip engineers, geologists, regulators, and other key stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to foster responsible mining practices across the country.
Participants included engineers and geologists from the NMA, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning, local government representatives, and geology and engineering students. The diverse representation reflects a united commitment to improving ESG integration and streamlining the ESIA process to promote more sustainable mining operations.
A core component of the training is the IGF Mining ESIA Tool (MET) a robust framework designed to assess and improve national ESIA systems. Used in conjunction with the ESIA Diagnostic Tool, it supports greater transparency, regulatory compliance, and environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout the mining project lifecycle.
Cedric Palmer, Manager of Large-Scale Mining at the NMA, delivered a comprehensive overview of Sierra Leone’s mining sector. His presentation covered the legal and institutional framework, licensing procedures, and the country’s extensive mineral resources. He also addressed the pressing issue of illegal artisanal mining, which continues to threaten environmental standards and hinder economic progress.
Adding to the conversation, Aiah Wurie Kembay, Deputy Director of Field Operations and Extension at the EPA, introduced participants to the agency’s Service Charter and Operational Checklist. His session provided practical tools and insights into regulatory oversight and environmental governance within the mining sector.
The training also explored global ESG best practices, risk mitigation strategies, and sustainable resource development pathways that align with Sierra Leone’s national development agenda and international sustainability standards.
By empowering technical professionals and institutional stakeholders with these essential tools and frameworks, the initiative represents a strategic move in the government’s broader efforts to develop a transparent, sustainable, and inclusive mining industry in Sierra Leone.