Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, has issued a bold call for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s mining sector, emphasizing that the country’s abundant mineral resources must translate into tangible national development and economic security. Speaking at the opening of Mining Week 2026, Dr. Jalloh underscored that the mining industry can no longer be treated merely as an export-oriented enterprise. He stressed that the sector now occupies a central position in Sierra Leone’s strategic vision for growth and prosperity.
“Mining revenue is no longer simply an economic issue. It is a national development and security imperative,” Dr. Jalloh declared, addressing a room filled with industry executives, policymakers, and stakeholders. The Vice President highlighted persistent challenges such as underreporting of production, inaccurate export valuations, and transfer pricing practices, which he said continue to deprive resource-rich countries like Sierra Leone of critical earnings.
To tackle these challenges, Dr. Jalloh called for the establishment of independent verification systems capable of monitoring mineral grades, export volumes, and pricing mechanisms. He emphasized that technology must underpin modern mining governance. “The answer is technology,” he said, advocating for digital production tracking, automated monitoring systems, and stronger institutional capacity to ensure transparency at every stage of the mining process, from extraction to export.
In outlining the Government’s strategic direction, the Vice President also proposed innovative approaches to capture greater value from mineral resources. These include royalty-backed financing models and expanded state participation in mining ventures. Under current legislation, the Government holds a 10 percent free-carried interest in large-scale mining operations, but Dr. Jalloh noted that there is room to negotiate higher stakes to ensure more equitable national returns.
Beyond financial considerations, Dr. Jalloh stressed the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. He urged mining companies to move past token corporate social responsibility projects and adopt structured development agreements that align mining operations with national priorities such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and youth engagement.
The Vice President also addressed the artisanal mining sector, which provides livelihoods for over 120,000 Sierra Leoneans. He called for formalization of artisanal mining activities, improved environmental safeguards, and stronger protections against exploitative practices, including child labour. Dr. Jalloh emphasized that the sector’s growth must be sustainable and socially responsible, reflecting the Government’s commitment to both economic prosperity and human development.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jalloh framed the Government’s mining agenda as a decisive shift from extraction-driven growth to transformation-led development. “From extraction to transformation. From royalties to real value capture. From mining activity to national prosperity,” he stated, urging all stakeholders to embrace a vision of the mining sector as a catalyst for broad-based, sustainable national development.