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Mining licence and mineral export applications in Sierra Leone
Mineral rights and gold and diamond exports in Sierra Leone are handled by the National Minerals Agency. SLONEC Consultancy helps first-time applicants and existing miners prepare licence and export applications, assemble the documents, register the company, obtain permits for foreign staff and stay compliant once operating, with one point of contact in Freetown.
The bodies involved
- National Minerals Agency (NMA): mineral rights, licences and the export of gold and diamonds.
- National Investment Board (NIB): company registration and investment promotion (the NIB absorbed SLIEPA and the Corporate Affairs Commission under the National Investment Board Act 2022).
- National Revenue Authority: tax registration and other taxes. Royalties are assessed by the NMA and paid to the NRA.
- Environment Protection Agency: environmental licensing for mining projects.
- Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, and the Immigration Department: work and residence permits for expatriate staff, through the Unified Permit portal.
The law
Mineral rights are granted under the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2022, which provides for reconnaissance, exploration, artisanal, small-scale and large-scale mining licences as well as dealer and exporter licences. It also requires community development agreements, funded with at least 1% of annual gross revenue, between small- and large-scale licence holders and their host communities, and sets rules on transferring licences.
What we do
- Map the licences, permits and approvals your project needs, and the order they come in.
- Prepare licence and export applications and follow them through with the agencies.
- Register the company, set up tax and NASSIT, and open bank accounts.
- Manage work and residence permits for expatriate staff through the Unified Permit portal.
- Once operating: accounts, tax and royalty filings, payroll and recruitment.
We don’t advise on whether to invest and we don’t give legal opinions on title; we work with local legal partners where that is needed.
Why now
Sierra Leone’s mining sector continues to attract new investment in gold, rutile and iron ore.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues mining licences in Sierra Leone?
The National Minerals Agency, under the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2022.
Can a foreign company hold a mining licence?
Foreign-owned companies registered in Sierra Leone can apply for reconnaissance, exploration and large-scale mining licences and exporter licences, and for small-scale mining licences where Sierra Leone citizens hold at least 30% of the shares. Artisanal mining licences are reserved for Sierra Leone citizens and for partnerships, co-operatives and companies wholly owned by citizens. Dealer licences are open to citizens, registered co-operatives, and Sierra Leone companies with at least 10% citizen shareholding. A foreign licence holder must appoint and keep an authorised agent in Sierra Leone.
Who handles gold and diamond exports?
The National Minerals Agency, which manages export licensing and certification.
Do mining projects need environmental approval?
Yes, from the Environment Protection Agency.
Can you handle permits for expatriate staff?
Yes, through the Unified Permit portal.
Do you give investment advice?
No. We handle licences, documents and compliance once you have decided to invest.
Request a proposal
Tell us about your project and licence type and we will send a written proposal.