The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Umaru Napoleon Koroma, along with Permanent Secretary Nancy Tenbeh, welcomed a delegation of 15 officials from the Angolan government at a meeting held yesterday at the Ministry’s conference room. The session, which commenced at 11:35 a.m., focused on sharing Sierra Leone’s expertise in artisanal diamond mining practices and its diamond certification process for export.
The visit from the Angolan delegation aimed to explore how Sierra Leone has successfully implemented artisanal mining regulations and adopted a diamond certification system that ensures the integrity and traceability of diamonds for the international market. Angola, known for its rich diamond reserves, is seeking to emulate Sierra Leone’s progress in responsible mining as part of its broader agenda to reform its diamond sector.
After the meeting, the delegation travelled to Koidu Town in Kono District to observe the operations of GEMFAIR, a De Beers-affiliated initiative focused on et
hical sourcing and purchasing from artisanal diamond miners. This field visit gave the Angolan team firsthand insights into how Sierra Leone’s diamond sector has transitioned from past associations with conflict diamonds to becoming a global leader in ethical mining practices.
The delegation was also accompanied by the President of the World Diamond Council, a significant figure whose presence further underscores the importance of this visit in fostering collaboration and promoting best practices in the diamond mining industry across Africa and beyond.
In his remarks, Deputy Minister Koroma emphasized Sierra Leone’s commitment to transforming the mining sector from a symbol of conflict to one of prosperity and transparency. He expressed optimism that Angola’s engagement with Sierra Leone would significantly elevate artisanal mining standards across the continent.
The meeting is critical in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to inspire fellow African nations to transition from “blood diamonds” to “prosperity di
amonds,” which would contribute to sustainable development and economic growth.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency