By Shannon A. L. Scott
As Sierra Leone’s 2026 Miining Week officially concluded, the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, reaffirmed its commitment to responsible mining, transparency, and increasing benefits for mining communities across the country.
The four-day event, held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, brought together chief executive officers of leading mining companies, senior government officials, development partners, and key stakeholders in the extractive sector to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities within the mining industry.
As discussions wrapped up, significant attention focused on the implementation of the Mines and Minerals Act, particularly issues relating to the Community Development Fund (CDF), revenue transparency, and ensuring that host communities receive greater benefits from mining activities.
One of the major highlights marking the close of the event was the official launch of the Community Development Management Information System (CoDMIS) by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai. The digital platform is designed to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of mining-related revenues.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the CoDMIS platform will enable the public to monitor payments made to communities, including surface rent and other mining-related benefits.
Authorities believe the system will strengthen public trust by making information on mining revenue distribution more accessible and transparent.
Stakeholders at the conference described the initiative as a significant step toward promoting accountability and ensuring that communities directly benefit from Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth.
Throughout the mining week, participants engaged in panel discussions on responsible mining practices, value addition within the sector, environmental sustainability, and strategies aimed at achieving shared prosperity through the effective management of the country’s natural resources.
As the curtains closed on the 2026 Mining Week, government officials and industry leaders praised the gathering as an important platform for dialogue, collaboration, and reform within Sierra Leone’s extractive industry.
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources stated that the successful conclusion of the event further reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening transparency, enhancing community participation, and promoting responsible investment in Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
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