The government of Sierra Leone led by President Brigadier Retired Julius Maada Bio has developed a new Minerals Policy ‘Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018' aimed at ensuring the country maximize gains from its mineral resource endowments. The history and evolution in the discovery of diamonds in Kono district in 1930 recognized the commencement of formalized mineral exploration in Sierra Leone.

Since 1930, Sierra Leone is yet to benefit from its mineral endowment due to bad governance and disorganized structures in the mineral sector. With the Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018, the government will ensure to maintain a constructive, mutually beneficial relationship created between investors and communities affected by mining operations. The government intends to working with civil society and community leaders to identify mechanisms through which they will have greater participation in sector developments. Include regular consultation on land use and access policies, revenue allocation to mining communities, environmental safeguards, resettlement, and social protection.

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, under whose supervision the new Minerals Policy was developed said the policy is a more comprehensive document that considers international, and regional initiatives relevant to mineral sector governance and management.

Sustainability and development. The goal Dr. Manyeh added is to convert some revenues generated into economic and social benefits for the long-term improvement in the quality of life for the citizens. With revenues invested in the local economic development, infrastructure, industrial assets, human capital development, and in improving health and educational facilities.

The Sierra Leone Minerals Policy of 2018 was developed and launched together with two other Policies; ‘Artisanal Mining Policy for Sierra Leone’ and the 'Geo-Data Management Policy’ of 2018. The policies were launched in the capital, Freetown, by the country’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh. The Vice President expressed confidence the three mineral policies set the stage for moving the country forward and set a clear framework through which to manage the sector. He said that the policies provide the Government the chance to ensure it derives economic transformation, growth, and development of Sierra Leone.

To the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Vice President Jalloh revealed four critical issues affecting mining communities.

• State disengagement and impact on mining companies

• Conditions in mining communities as a result of State collapsed in the past

• Traditional responsibility of Government to provide social services for its citizens like roads and mining companies pay royalties

• Corporate Social Responsibility by mining companies

He suggested the Mines Minister established a Unit overseeing Corporate Social Responsibility issues.

World Bank through the Extractive Industries Technical Assistance Project (EITAP) providing both financial and technical support.