Core Mineral Policy

=Function=

According to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Core Mineral Policy (CMP) was "designed to create an internationally competitive and investor-friendly business environment in the mining sector." The policy is expected to help the mining industry to attract foreign and local private sector funds and to provide benefits and protection for the people and the environment of Sierra Leone.

Despite attempts to revise and update the CMP, the current version dates back to 2003 (passed in 2004).

2004, which was heavily focussed on the diamond industry. A draft of an updated policy, seen by the authors, dates from 2008 and was prepared by the SPU in State House. The draft is noteworthy in stating that all mining companies will be required to obtain an Economic and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) license from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) before commencing operations. According to those familiar with the process, progress towards finalizing and publishing the revised policy was stalled by an argument between the MMMR and SPU over policy-making authority in the minerals sector.

=References=