By: Tommy Sidikie, Reporter
United Kingdom – Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, emphasized his country’s commitment to critical mineral reforms during a high-level Commonwealth roundtable at the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF) 20th Annual General Meeting.
The session focused on developing a comprehensive handbook to guide member states in managing minerals essential for the global energy transition. Deputy Minister Koroma highlighted efforts to align mineral management practices with global standards, underscoring the nation’s leadership in sustainable mining reforms.
“Platforms like the Commonwealth Secretariat play a vital role in building trust, enhancing technical partnerships, and fostering multilateral solutions,” Koroma stated, acknowledging the challenges posed by contemporary economic, social, and environmental complexities.
Central to the agenda is the Mines and Minerals Act 2022, a landmark update that replaces the 2009 legislation. This Act mandates rigorous environmental and social cost-benefit analyses before approving mineral exploitation. “Strategic minerals can only be declared following robust geological data and comprehensive assessments,” he noted.
Under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, the government has initiated the Big Five Game Changers initiative to enhance transparency, accountability, and socio-economic benefits in the mining sector. Key reforms under this initiative include community empowerment programs, environmental sustainability measures, and policies aimed at improving employment practices.
The Commonwealth Secretariat has played a crucial role in facilitating progress. Through technical assistance and support for legal frameworks, the Secretariat has strengthened the ability to attract investment and navigate challenges in the energy and extractive sectors.
Koroma reaffirmed the commitment to collaborative solutions, emphasizing that responsibly managing critical minerals is essential for the global energy transition and achieving sustainable development goals.
