By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, D.S.
Moyamba District, 28th May 2025 – Deputy Minister of Mines, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, announced significant community development gains resulting from the Mines and Mineral Development Act 2023 during the Civic Day Series in Moyamba. This legislation requires mining companies to contribute 1% of their gross revenue to Community Development Funds, a dramatic increase from the previous rate of 0.0001%.
The Civic Day Series, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, aimed to enhance public participation and transparency in national development. Key government officials, including Koroma, addressed community concerns and provided updates on local development initiatives.
Koroma highlighted the establishment of a Mining District Development Fund, which allocates 20% of mining royalties for local projects. The Moyamba District is experiencing significant growth in its mining sector, now featuring five large-scale and 14 small-scale mining companies, up from just two large-scale operations in 2018.
From 2023 to 2024, small-scale miners contributed NLE 2.5 million, while large-scale miners paid NLE 118 million in surface rents to local communities, underscoring the financial benefits of mining. Koroma reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship between mining companies and local communities, ensuring equitable sharing of mining benefits.
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