Engineers and geologists from the National Minerals Agency (NMA) were among a broad group of stakeholders who gained vital knowledge and tools during the opening of a five-day workshop organized by the Intergovernmental Forum (IGF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency.

The workshop, which began on Monday, 7th July 2025, is focused on the implementation of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Diagnostic Tool and the strengthening of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks within Sierra Leone’s mining sector.

Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Local Councils, engineering and geology students from various universities. The central aim of the training is to enhance the capacity of key actors to integrate ESG standards and improve ESIA systems; ensuring that mining operations in Sierra Leone remain environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

At the heart of the training is the IGF Mining ESIA Tool (MET), a practical framework developed to evaluate and improve national ESIA systems. Together with the ESIA Diagnostic Tool, the MET supports transparency, regulatory compliance and the adoption of sustainable practices in mineral resource development.

Delivering an in-depth presentation during the opening sessions, Cedric Palmer, Manager of Large-scale Mining at NMA, provided participants with a comprehensive overview of Sierra Leone’s mining sector. He detailed the country’s legal and regulatory frameworks, licensing procedures, institutional arrangements and its rich endowment of both known and potential mineral resources. Cedric Palmer also addressed the challenges of illegal artisanal mining and outlined ongoing Government efforts to curb unregulated operations.

Adding to the discussion, Aiah Wurie Kembay, Deputy Director of Field Operations and Extension at the EPA, introduced the Agency’s Service Charter and Operational Checklist. He explained the EPA’s core responsibilities and its role in enforcing environmental compliance throughout the mining lifecycle.

Throughout the workshop, participants were exposed to international best practices in ESG integration, including strategies to mitigate environmental and social risks and promote responsible mineral development. These practices aim to align Sierra Leone’s mining operations with both national development priorities and global sustainability goals.

Organizers of the workshop say the initiative is part of a broader Government strategy to improve transparency, environmental stewardship and social accountability in the extractives sector.

The five-day training underscores Sierra Leone’s growing commitment to strengthening governance, safeguarding natural resources and ensuring that mining contributes meaningfully to national economic development while protecting communities and ecosystems. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/sierra-leone-mining-sector-advances-with-new-esg-and-esia-capacity-building-workshop/