By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Sierra Leone’s mining industry, one of the country’s largest employers and revenue earners, has recorded a steady rise in employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans, according to the latest statistics released by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA). The data, drawn from verified monthly production reports submitted by mining companies, shows that both direct and indirect jobs in the sector are expanding, bringing renewed optimism about the industry’s contribution to the nation’s economy.

The report indicates that as of the first half of 2025, a total of 17,448 Sierra Leoneans were employed in the industrial mining sector, an increase of 567 jobs compared to the previous year. This figure excludes artisanal mining, which operates outside formal employment structures but nonetheless sustains thousands of livelihoods.

In 2024, employment stood at 14,700 workers and by June 2025, the figure had risen to 17,448, representing a significant net growth of 2,748 jobs. Officials highlight this as evidence of renewed investor confidence and improved stability within Sierra Leone’s mining sector, which has long been a driver of national development.

The data further breaks down employment gains across various segments of the industry.

• Large-scale mining companies directly increased their workforce by 952 employees, demonstrating expansion in core mining operations.
• Contractors for large-scale mines, who provide essential technical and logistical services, saw the most significant growth with 1,706 new jobs, reflecting increased outsourcing and partnerships within the sector.
• Small-scale mines also contributed modestly, employing 90 additional workers, underscoring the sector’s gradual formalization.

Together, these categories account for a combined increase of more than 2,700 jobs, cementing mining’s role as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s employment landscape.

The statistics also reveal how jobs are distributed across employment categories. In 2025, the majority of workers, 14,948 employees, occupied roles below the supervisory level, reflecting the labor-intensive nature of mining. Supervisory roles increased slightly to 2,104, while senior management positions stood at 396 employees, down from 432 in 2024.

This structure demonstrates the dominance of lower-tier jobs within the sector while also raising questions about pathways for professional advancement and skills development. Analysts believe that strengthening technical training and educational opportunities could help Sierra Leoneans move into more supervisory and managerial roles in the future.

Another positive trend highlighted in the report is the balance between Sierra Leonean and expatriate workers. With over 17,000 locals employed directly or indirectly, the dominance of Sierra Leonean participation reflects the success of Government-led policies on local content.

Expatriate employment, which has historically filled gaps in specialized technical and managerial positions, remains comparatively low. This indicates that more Sierra Leoneans are taking up skilled positions within the industry, an achievement that aligns with the Government’s vision of maximizing the country’s human resource potential.

Employment in the mining sector goes beyond job creation; it provides a ripple effect that stimulates other areas of Sierra Leone’s economy. Salaries earned by mine workers support local businesses, education, healthcare and housing. The expansion of contractors within the sector also creates new opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, deepening the value chain within Sierra Leone.

Furthermore, the sector’s contribution to national revenue through taxes, royalties and community development agreements ensures that employment gains translate into broader socio-economic impact. With over 17,000 households directly dependent on mining wages, the sector is playing a key role in poverty reduction and sustainable development.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) have welcomed the rising employment figures, noting that they reflect the ongoing reforms designed to attract investment, enforce transparency and ensure that Sierra Leoneans benefit meaningfully from the country’s mineral wealth.

In a statement, officials emphasized that the statistics reaffirm the sector’s resilience and potential. “The increase in employment demonstrates that Sierra Leone’s mining industry is on a growth trajectory. It shows investor confidence and highlights the role of local content in shaping sustainable development,” the release noted.

Despite those gains, the mining sector continues to face challenges, including global commodity price fluctuations, the need for greater environmental safeguards and the necessity of balancing foreign investment with national interest.

Analysts argue that while job creation is encouraging, more attention must be given to skill development and capacity building to ensure Sierra Leoneans can take up senior technical and managerial positions that are often dominated by expatriates. Expanding vocational training programs and aligning them with industry needs will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of employment growth.

Looking ahead, the sector’s outlook remains positive. With ongoing reforms, new investments and improved infrastructure, Sierra Leone is well-positioned to expand its mining industry further. The continued emphasis on local employment ensures that Sierra Leoneans remain at the heart of this growth story.

The latest employment statistics underscore the mining sector’s role as a vital driver of Sierra Leone’s economy. With employment rising by 2,748 jobs since 2024 and more than 17,000 Sierra Leoneans engaged across various roles, the sector is delivering on its promise of job creation, economic empowerment and local participation.

Government and mining companies are continuing to work hand in hand, with the focus placed on ensuring that aforementioned gains translate into long-term national benefits; not only through employment but also through sustainable development, skills transfer and inclusive growth.

​The Calabash Newspaper is Sierra Leone’s leading English‑language news platform—established in 2017 to deliver trusted coverage of politics, culture, health, and more to audiences both at home and abroad.