The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) have resumed the processing of applications for mineral rights after five months since they imposed a suspension of the process until a proper screening process is established. The Ministry and the Agency said in a statement that they have lifted the suspension after due consideration and certain measures being instituted to ensure that the people of Sierra Leone derive maximum benefits from the mineral resources. “We are therefore, encouraging credible investors who wish to secure mining licences and other mineral rights to contact the NMA at New England Ville for further information” said Peter Kapr Bangura, Director of Mines, NMA. However, a week before the suspension in August 2018, they cancelled 40 mining licenses from 20 companies and promised the resumption of normal processing of applications via a thorough vetting process. The suspension taken at the time was to also enable the Agency to clean up the mineral rights map and implement a vetting process that will ensure that Government only gives mineral rights to credible investors with proven track record.
By Zainab Iyamide Joaque
Monday January 21, 2019.