Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Deputy Minister of Mines, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has announced the transformative impact of the Mines and Mineral Development Act 2023 on community development in Moyamba District.
The Act, which mandates that mining companies contribute 1% of their gross revenue to Community Development Funds, marks a vast increase from the previous contribution rate of 0.0001%.
The Mines Minister made these statements during the Civic Day Series held in Moyamba by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. The event aimed to enhance public participation and transparency in national development, featuring key government officials who provided updates and addressed community concerns.
Koroma noted that the new legislation also establishes a Mining District Development Fund, retaining 20% of mining royalties for local development projects.
Moyamba District is witnessing substantial growth in its mining sector, now hosting 5 large-scale and 14 small-scale mining companies, up from only 2 large-scale firms in 2018.
Between 2023 and 2024, as confirmed by Koroma, small-scale miners contributed NLE 2.5 million, while large-scale miners paid NLE 118 million in surface rents to local communities, further underscoring the financial benefits of the mining sector.
Koroma reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship between mining companies and local communities, ensuring that the benefits of mining are equitably shared.
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