Addressing stakeholders at the consultative conference at the Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Hon. Foday Rado Yokie, noted that the review of the 2009 Mines and Mineral act, is part of enhancing the governance and management of mineral resources in the country to the benefit of Sierra Leoneans. He furthered that such consultative dialogue is one of series of engagements to deliver on the commitment of government to improving the governance and management of the mineral sector and optimizing benefit for the people of the country. He stated that there have been series of challenges in the mineral sector owning to legislative directions and guidelines.
The minister noted that exploitation of minerals in Sierra Leone has had a mix result noting it has contributed to economic growth and development, support effort to improve social service delivery and the transformation of rural villages into towns while at the same time the misuse of these result have caused problems in other parts of the country. While stressing the significant of the engagement, the minister called on participants to utilize the opportunity by making relevant contributions noting all the information solicited will informed the final draft.
Speaking on the draft presented to stakeholders to discuss on, the Mines and Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Daniel Gbondo noted that the review will look at revenue generation in the sector, benefit of mining communities on mining activities, licensee and a host of others. He furthered that the review will targeted best practices compared to what obtains in the sub rejoin.
According to the Chairman of the Committee on Mines in parliament Hon. Saa Emmerson Lamina, such review will provide an opportunity to capture into law recommendations that will reflect best practices. He furthered that such opportunity will also contribute to strengthen transparency and accountability in the extractive industry.
This consultative workshop which brought together stakeholders from different sectors provided a platform to soliciting input from stakeholder from the sector that will inform bill that will be drafted. The input from stakeholders will be forwarded to the office of the Anthony General for the final draft.
