In a significant move to bolster expertise and sustainable management within its critical mining industry, the Government of Sierra Leone formally entered a partnership with one of China’s leading institutions in the field. On 4 December 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China University of Geosciences (CUG), marking a dedicated step towards building advanced human capital for the nation’s geosciences sector.
The agreement is designed to foster comprehensive cooperation centered on talent development, academic-industry collaboration, and targeted research. Its primary objective is to equip Sierra Leonean professionals and institutions with the advanced skills and knowledge required for the effective and sustainable governance of the country’s substantial mineral resources. This initiative directly supports the government’s broader agenda of deriving greater national value from the mining sector through enhanced local expertise and technological adoption.
Under the terms of the MoU, Sierra Leonean beneficiaries will gain access to a wide array of capacity-building opportunities. These include tailored short- and long-term training programmes, professional internships, and collaborative research projects. A notable aspect of the partnership involves the integration of the China Geological Survey, which will enable Sierra Leonean students and geologists to gain hands-on experience through participation in actual geological survey projects conducted within Sierra Leone, guided by a dual-supervisor system that blends international and local expertise.
To ensure the effective execution of these initiatives, the agreement establishes clear coordination mechanisms between the MMMR and CUG. This structured approach will facilitate the careful implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all joint activities. Furthermore, the partnership is expected to create valuable synergies with local academia, particularly with the University of Sierra Leone’s Department of Geology. Planned support includes collaborative research, curriculum development assistance, academic exchange programmes, and the provision of modern teaching and learning materials, all aimed at strengthening the domestic educational foundation in geosciences.
This collaboration represents a strategic investment in Sierra Leone’s future, aligning closely with national efforts to promote knowledge transfer, institutional development, and technical self-sufficiency. By leveraging international cooperation, the government aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals capable of driving a more innovative, responsible, and economically beneficial mining sector for the country.