Sierra Leone Clinches Global Mining Vice Chair Position
In a significant affirmation of national expertise and continental leadership, Sierra Leone’s Director of Mines, Mr. Peter Kapr Bangura, has been officially confirmed as the Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). The appointment was formally ratified on 6th November 2025, at the IGF Annual General Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.
Mr. Bangura’s election, representing the Anglophone Africa region, positions a seasoned Sierra Leonean professional at the helm of global mining policy discussions. In a competitive field featuring reputable candidates from several leading African mining nations, including South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique, Mr. Bangura secured a commanding 78% of the vote from member states. This resounding mandate is a powerful testament to his distinguished personal credentials and the growing influence of Sierra Leone in shaping the future of the global minerals sector.
A Leader of Substance and Expertise
Mr. Bangura is no stranger to the complex interplay between mining and sustainable development. His career embodies the crucial bridge between technical excellence and sound public policy—a combination perfectly suited for the IGF’s mission.
His qualifications present a compelling profile of a 21st-century mining leader:
Unparalleled Technical and Policy Expertise: A graduate of the world-renowned Camborne School of Mines, where he earned an MSc. in Mining Engineering with Distinction, Mr. Bangura is deeply grounded in the technical complexities of the sector. This is complemented by a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, equipping him with the advanced skills to navigate the governance challenges at the heart of the IGF’s mandate.
A Decade of Practical Leadership:
With over ten years at the helm as Director of Mines for Sierra Leone, he possesses an intimate, practical understanding of regulating a dynamic mining sector. His experience spans the entire value chain, from licensing and oversight to environmental management and community relations.
A Proven IGF Collaborator:
Mr. Bangura is already a familiar and respected figure within the IGF community. Since 2016, he has actively participated in IGF programs, providing valuable technical support and championing capacity-building initiatives that benefit member states.
Global Stage, Local Impact: The Significance of the IGF
The IGF is a leading global intergovernmental policy forum dedicated to ensuring that mining for minerals and metals contributes positively to sustainable development. Established in 2005 under the umbrella of the United Nations, it boasts a wide membership of over 80 countries, bringing together developed and developing nations to collaborate on best practices, governance, and policy.
For the Government of Sierra Leone, securing a leadership role within this forum is of paramount importance. The exposure, network, and partnerships accessible at this level are exceptional. It provides Sierra Leone with a direct voice in setting the global agenda on critical issues such as the energy transition, critical minerals, local content, and revenue management. This allows the country to not just follow international standards, but to help shape them based on its own experiences and priorities.
A Vote of Confidence in Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector
Mr. Bangura’s decisive election is a powerful endorsement of the progressive reforms and visionary leadership steering Sierra Leone’s mining sector. It reflects international confidence in the sector’s governance under the dynamic leadership of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Mattai, and aligns with the broader national vision for sustainable development under His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
This achievement demonstrates that Sierra Leone is not only open for business, but is also a producer of world-class talent and a respected voice in global mineral governance. It signals to investors and partners that the country is committed to the highest standards of transparency, sustainability, and professional management.
For Africa, having a professional of Mr. Bangura’s calibre in a key IGF leadership role, ensures that the continent’s unique perspectives and developmental aspirations are heard at the highest table. It strengthens the ability of African nations to leverage their mineral resources for tangible, long-term development, moving beyond extraction to genuine transformation.
As Vice Chair, Mr. Bangura pledges to bring his wealth of experience from Sierra Leone and West Africa to the global stage, advocating for policies that maximize benefits for resource-rich nations and their communities, ensuring that mining truly becomes a catalyst for sustainable and equitable growth.