By Nasratu Kargbo
The Geophysicist at the National Mineral Agency (NMA) Ahmed Swaray says there is available data that identifies favorable sites that are rich in minerals. Speaking during a workshop held on the 4th November 2021, the Geophysicist explained that the nationwide Airborne Geophysical Survey revealed some areas that are considered to be sites that are more favorable for mining than other and unraveled the country’s mineral deposits.
Speaking on the rationale behind the survey, Swaray explained it was done in order for Sierra Leoneans to benefit from their mineral resources, adding that it helped them identify areas that could be possibly considered as rich in resources. The exercise also aided in identifying and analyzing what is beneath the soil, saying the map highlighted places that are favorable for bauxite, gold, iron ore etc.
He explained that the data is not only important to mining, but also of added value to sectors such as Agriculture, Water and Archaeology. He mentioned how certain things that are of importance and found beneath the earth can be located, using magnetic survey.
When asked whether the data can be made available to all and whether one needs to meet certain criteria to access classified data, the Deputy Director of the Geological Survey Joseph Lebbie explained that one has to fulfill certain terms and conditions to access the information which is government property.
Lebbie explained that they are working on setting terms and conditions for data use, wherein one can buy the data but cannot resell. He also stated that the data is highly classified and cannot be shown or presented to the public.
He went on to say they have what is called the public interface, wherein one can view the data but with a reduced resolution so one cannot see structures clearly. Lebbie added: “You can get the classified data that goes with minimal charges”.
According to the Geophysicist, the methodologies used for the nationwide exercise were entirely modern technologies that included aircrafts with sensors.
Copyright © Politico Online (05/11/21)
