By Josephine Sillah
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Mines and Minerals, Hon. Emerson Lamina, has underscored the urgent need for a strong legal and policy framework to support Sierra Leone’s emerging critical minerals strategy, emphasizing that sustainable development in the sector depends on enforceable laws, not just policy declarations. Delivering a statement at a high-level stakeholder engagement, Hon. Lamina addressed representatives from the private sector, civil society, and the media—often referred to as the fourth and fifth estates—highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in managing the country’s mineral wealth.
He noted that while strategies and policies are important, they remain ineffective without the backing of legislation that clearly defines obligations, penalties, and accountability mechanisms. “A strategy may be displayed and admired, but without law, it carries no weight. People must understand the consequences of non-compliance. That is why legislation is critical,” he stated. Hon. Lamina reaffirmed Parliament’s constitutional mandate, emphasizing that lawmakers do not only enact laws but also represent the voices and interests of the people. “As Members of Parliament, we represent our constituents, and any strategy developed must reflect their aspirations.
Ultimately, we are accountable for whether these policies deliver tangible results,” he said. Reflecting on reforms in the mining sector over the past several years, Hon. Lamina highlighted significant progress made through the collaboration between the National Minerals Agency (NMA) and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources. He commended the institutions for increasingly relying on local expertise rather than foreign consultants, noting that this approach strengthens national capacity and reduces unnecessary expenditure. “In the past, we depended heavily on international consultants, often at great cost.
Today, it is encouraging to see Sierra Leonean professionals leading the development of strategies for the sector,” he observed. Hon. Lamina also pointed to key provisions in the Mines and Minerals Development Act that have transformed community engagement and benefit-sharing in mining areas. He cited Section 143 of the Act, which mandates that mining companies allocate at least one percent of their gross revenue to community development initiatives. “Six to seven years ago, such contributions were based on negotiation, often favoring companies. Today, it is enshrined in law. Communities are guaranteed a fair share of the benefits from mining activities,” he explained.
Additional reforms, he noted, include the introduction of surface rent payments and other structured financial obligations that ensure mining operations contribute directly to local development. “These were not always legal requirements. They emerged from deliberate policy strategies that have now been translated into enforceable laws,” he added. Hon. Lamina reflected on the state of the mining sector prior to 2018, describing it as lacking coherent policy direction and regulatory strength. “At the onset of large-scale mining activities, there was no comprehensive policy framework.
This created gaps in governance and accountability,” he said. He referenced early challenges faced by the administration in stabilizing the sector, including the need to address regulatory lapses and improve oversight mechanisms. The Oversight Committee Chair expressed confidence that the ongoing development of a critical mineral’s strategy presents a historic opportunity for Sierra Leone to position itself competitively in the global energy transition.
He called for continued collaboration among government institutions, industry players, and civil society to ensure that the strategy is not only well-designed but effectively implemented. “The future of our mineral sector lies in strong governance, inclusive participation, and enforceable laws. If we get this right, the benefits will extend to every Sierra Leonean,” he concluded.
