18,000 Sierra Leoneans Employed

By Thaimu Thullah

Contrary to some of the misinformation by the Minister of Finance, Sheku Ahmed Fantamahdi Bangura that Sierra Leone’s mining sector has nothing to show toward the development of the country, research and investigation conducted by this medium has uncovered that the mining sector is another mainstay to the country’s economic development.

This is evident based on Official figures from the National Minerals Agency (NMA) which shows that Sierra Leone’s mining sector supports approximately 18,000 direct jobs for 2025, highlighting the sector as a major driver of employment and economic activity. This figure reflects employment at industrial mines and does not include the artisanal mining sub-sector, which traditionally adds substantial additional livelihoods.

Why this matters for Sierra Leone

Job Creation: Industrial mines are a reliable source of formal employment, offering stable wages, payroll taxes, and social benefits that contribute to household stability and local economies.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Linkages: Mining activity supports not only direct labor but also ancillary services—transportation, logistics, security, equipment maintenance, and local procurement—bolstering broader economic activity.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Signal: A robust formal mining sector can attract more investment, technology transfer, and capacity building, reinforcing long-term growth prospects.

Revenue Streams: Government revenues from mining (royalties, taxes, and licensing) fund public goods and services, potentially improving health, education, and infrastructure and so if the minister of finance who supervises the national revenue authority that is charged with the official mandate to collect revenue is saying something different, then he must try to do his homework well.

Expanded narrative: how the 18,000 jobs fit into the broader economy

1) Direct Employment (Industrial Mines)

Roles include engineers, geologists, mine workers, supervisors, safety officers, maintenance technicians, and administrative staff.

These jobs tend to offer formal contracts, benefits, and opportunities for career progression.

2) Indirect Employment and Local Multiplier Effects

Local suppliers: catering, camp management, vehicle servicing, and security.

Service sectors: telecommunications, construction, and retail outlets near mining sites.

Skills development: apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training that enhance workforce quality.

3) Exclusion of the Artisanal Sub-Sector

The artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector often employs a significantly larger workforce, frequently in informal conditions.

Including ASM would likely raise total employment figures substantially, but also introduces considerations around safety, environmental management, and formalization.

What the 2025 NMA Report Signifies

Credibility and Transparency: Official data from the NMA suggests structured mining sectors with verifiable employment metrics.

Policy Implications: The government can leverage these figures to design targeted labor market programs, skill development, and revenue planning.

Strategic Focus: Emphasizing industrial mining while pursuing formalization of ASM could maximize employment and socioeconomic benefits.

Opportunities and Recommendations

Strengthen Local Content and Procurement: Encourage mining firms to source more goods and services locally, boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and creating additional jobs.

Formalizing ASM: Implement policies that improve safety, environmental stewardship, and access to finance for ASM operators to transition a portion of ASM employment into safer, formal roles.

Skills Development: Expand technical training, vocational education, and certification programs aligned with the mining sector’s needs (e.g., metallurgical, mechanical, electrical, health and safety).

Community Investment: Require mining companies to invest in community development projects—infrastructure, education, and health facilities—driven by workforce needs.

Monitoring and Evaluation: Maintain regular, transparent reporting on employment, local content, and environmental indicators to track progress and inform policy.

Discussion Questions

How can Sierra Leone balance the benefits of industrial mining with environmental and social safeguards?

What policies would most effectively integrate ASM into the formal economy without disrupting livelihoods?

Which sectors could most effectively absorb mining-related skills (e.g., construction, energy, manufacturing) to maximize spillover benefits?