NMA Engineers, Geologists Gain Valuable Insights At ESIA Diagnostic Tool And ESG Training Workshop

On Monday, 7th July 2025, the Intergovernmental Forum (IGF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), inaugurated a five-day workshop aimed at implementing the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Diagnostic Tool and providing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) training specifically for the mining sector.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including engineers and geologists from the NMA, representatives from the Ministry of Lands and Country Planning, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local council members, and university students specializing in engineering and geology. All participants share a common goal: to enhance the mining sector’s ability to integrate ESG standards and refine ESIA processes. They were introduced to the IGF Mining ESIA Tool (MET), a practical framework designed to assess and improve national ESIA systems. The MET complements the ESIA Diagnostic Tool, further enhancing transparency, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and promoting sustainable practices within mining operations.

During the sessions, Cedric Palmer, Manager of Large-scale Mining, offered a comprehensive overview of Sierra Leone’s mining landscape. He covered crucial topics such as the legal and regulatory framework, organizational and institutional structure, licensing procedures, as well as the country’s known and potential mineral resources. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to monitor illegal and illicit artisanal mining and addressed significant environmental and socio-economic challenges within the sector.

Moreover, the Deputy Director, Field Operations and Extension, EPA Sierra Leone, Aiah Wurie Kembay, presented the Agency’s Service Charter and Operational Checklist, elucidating the EPA’s roles and responsibilities. The training sessions emphasized global best practices in ESG, strategies for mitigating risks, and methods for responsible mineral development that align with national goals and international standards.

This workshop exemplifies the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive practices in the mining sector across Sierra Leone.