By Alpha Abu
Mines and Mineral Resources Minister Timothy Kabba has given an optimistic picture of Sierra Leone’s mining sector whilst presenting his scorecard to journalists and civil society activists at a retreat in Bo last weekend. The minister presented a picture of huge potentials for mineral deposits in the country as captured in the Airborne Geophysical Survey that was financed by the government. He said the geo-data assembled provides a promising future for the country’s mines.
He disclosed that Sierra Leone has been spotted to have deposits of a rare and highly valuable mineral known as transition metals. He said only two other countries in Africa, Congo and the Central Africa Republic are known to have the mineral. He described it as an Elements and Battery mineral that can be used in the renewable energy sector, hence its description as a Strategic Development mineral.
Kabba said the government has not only created an enabling environment for investors in the mining sector to thrive but that the companies comply with laid down rules so that communities can benefit.
He made reference to Seawright Mining for constructing an ultra-modern school in the Gorama-Mende Chiefdom in Kenema district. Another mining company is also reportedly building a medical facility in the Valunyia Chiefdom in Bo district.
Kabba admitted that the tax rate for exporting gold from Sierra Leone is higher than those of the two other neighbouring countries of Guinea and Liberia, and said the government is working towards reducing the tax, to encourage more investment in gold exploration. He also highlighted what he referred to as the weaponisation of women and the use of children in mining communities, an anomaly he said the government is trying to seriously address. He also mentioned ongoing review of the 2009 Mines and Minerals Act that has now been renamed Mines and minerals Development Act which would insist on mining companies paying a 10% Free Carrying Interest on minerals bound for export. The Ministry of Information and Communications conducted the event.
Copyright © Politico Online 03/12/21
