Mines and Minerals Act, 2009
The principal Act governing mining and mineral rights in Sierra Leone, providing a modern framework for the mineral sector.
Summary
The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009 provides the modern legal framework for the mineral sector in Sierra Leone. It vests ownership of minerals in the State and governs the grant and administration of mineral rights, replacing earlier mining legislation.
The Act provides for the different categories of mineral rights — reconnaissance, exploration, and large-scale, small-scale and artisanal mining licences — their grant, duration, conditions, transfer and cancellation. It provides for the rights and obligations of licence holders, including payment of royalties, fees and taxes, environmental protection and rehabilitation, community development agreements, and the rights of landowners and local communities. It provides for the administration of the sector, inspection and enforcement, offences and penalties.
It is a cornerstone of the regulation of Sierra Leone's important mining industry.
Main provisions
- Vests ownership of minerals in the State and governs mineral rights.
- Provides for reconnaissance, exploration and mining licences, including artisanal and small-scale.
- Sets the conditions, duration, transfer and cancellation of mineral rights.
- Provides for royalties, fees and taxes payable by licence holders.
- Requires environmental protection, rehabilitation and community development agreements.
- Provides for administration, inspection, enforcement, offences and penalties.