Mining exports $1.12B, government gets only $49.9M- Says VP Jalloh

Mining exports $1.12B, government gets only $49.9M- Says VP Jalloh 

During the 2026 Mining Week proceedings, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh highlighted a significant discrepancy regarding the fiscal returns from the nation's extractive industries. 

Dr. Jalloh formally addressed the allocation and utilization of mining-derived capital, emphasizing the necessity for increased national economic benefit.

The Vice President underscored the patriotic imperative of ensuring that mineral wealth translates into tangible advancements for Sierra Leonean citizens, specifically through specialized skills development, robust infrastructure, and elevated living standards within mining-affected localities.

Statistical data provided by the Vice President revealed that while the sector generated approximately US$1.12 billion in mineral exports during the 2024 fiscal year, the corresponding government revenue amounted to only US$49.9 million.

This data indicates that the national treasury receives less than five percent of the total export value. Dr. Jalloh characterized this revenue gap as a critical systemic challenge, advocating for immediate legislative reforms and enhanced accountability mechanisms to bridge the divide.

These observations have catalyzed a broader discourse on the management of mineral revenues in Sierra Leone. 

Consequently, there is an increasing consensus on the requirement for improved transparency and structural reforms to guarantee a more equitable distribution of the nation's natural resource wealth.