The Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ing. Hadji Dabo, has called on newly recruited engineers and geologists to demonstrate their competence and justify the confidence placed in them by the institution. He made this statement during the opening of a four days training workshop on Environmental Management in Mining, organized by the NMA in partnership with the International Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF). The workshop, held under the theme \u201cTransforming the Minerals Sector for a Better Sierra Leone,\u201d took place at the Country Lodge Conference Hall, Hill Station in Freetown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the participants, Mr. Dabo emphasized that their recruitment was not only a recognition of their individual achievements but also a strategic investment in the future of mining governance in Sierra Leone.
\u201cYour appointment represents not only your personal success but a deliberate institutional investment in strengthening mining governance in this country,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He further urged the participants to take the training seriously, noting that the knowledge acquired during the workshop belongs to them and will shape their professional identity as technical officers serving the state.
\u201cI want you to understand something fundamental the knowledge you gain here is not the property of the IGF or even the NMA it becomes yours. With that knowledge comes responsibility,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mr. Dabo highlighted that the training is supported by international partners, including the Government of Canada, and facilitated by expert trainers from the IGF. He stressed that the presence of such high level support underscores the importance of the training and the expectations placed on the participants. He warned against complacency and passive participation, making it clear that the workshop is not merely a formality or an opportunity to collect certificates.\u201cThere will be no room for distracted attendance or passive sitting.
These four days are meant to transform your understanding and approach to environmental management in mining,\u201d he cautioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Director General also underscored the critical role environmental officers play in safeguarding communities affected by mining activities. He noted that the quality of their work will directly impact the lives of citizens, particularly those living near mining sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMining in Sierra Leone touches the lives of thousands from communities near rivers flowing through mining areas to farmers whose lands border these operations. Your work will determine whether these lives are protected or put at risk,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He concluded by encouraging participants to actively engage in the training by asking questions, taking notes, and fully participating in discussions and case studies. He also reiterated the NMA\u2019s commitment to developing standardized environmental monitoring frameworks aligned with international best practices.
\u201cYou are being equipped to build and implement these tools. Do not waste this opportunity,\u201d Mr. Dabo urged.
The training is expected to enhance the capacity of NMA staff in environmental monitoring and contribute to building a more sustainable and responsible mining sector in Sierra Leone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Director General of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), Ing. Hadji Dabo, has called on newly recruited engineers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":544,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-543","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-item","category-satellite-front-page"],"yoast_head":"\n