By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
The Deputy Leader of Government Business II and Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, Saa Emerson Lamina, has praised the Government of Sierra Leone for what he described as bold and transformative reforms in the mining sector, stating that the country’s new mining policies and legislation are laying the foundation for a resilient and people-centered economy.
Speaking during Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 in Freetown, Hon. Lamina said the mineral sector remains one of the major drivers of Sierra Leone’s economy, contributing significantly to national revenue generation and economic development.
He noted that the government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, has demonstrated strong commitment to reforming the mining industry through progressive policies and strengthened oversight mechanisms.
According to Hon. Lamina, one of the most remarkable achievements of the current administration was the introduction of comprehensive mining reforms, including the Sustainable Mining Policy, the Regulatory Policy, and the Geodata Management Policy, all aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable resource management.
“For almost ten decades, there was no comprehensive detail and direction in the sector the way we are seeing today,” he stated, while commending the President for providing leadership and political will to modernize the industry.
Hon. Lamina further applauded Parliament for its oversight role in ensuring that mining agreements and laws protect the interests of Sierra Leoneans, especially people living in mining communities.
Drawing comparisons between the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 and the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2023, Hon. Lamina explained that the old legislation gave excessive powers in the issuance of mining licenses without sufficient safeguards. However, he said the 2023 law has introduced stronger accountability measures and clearer legal procedures.
“In the 2009 Mineral Act, licenses could easily be issued without proper protection for communities and national interests. Today, under Section 33 of the 2023 Mines and Minerals Development Act, there are stronger checks and clearer provisions,” he emphasized.
Hon. Lamina also highlighted provisions within the new law that seek to increase benefits for mining communities, noting that communities hosting mining operations are expected to receive greater support and development opportunities under the revised framework.
He stressed that Sierra Leoneans are increasingly taking ownership of policy formulation and sector reforms through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the National Minerals Agency (NMA), and parliamentary oversight structures.
“Today, Sierra Leoneans themselves are shaping the future of the mining sector. The policies and regulations are being developed by our own institutions and experts for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Hon. Lamina concluded by describing the reforms as a major step toward building a stronger and more resilient economy capable of maximizing the country’s mineral wealth for national development.
Mining Week 2026 continues with high-level discussions involving government officials, investors, mining companies, development partners, and regional stakeholders focused on sustainable mining, investment opportunities, and Africa’s mineral future.
