Mines Minister launches the Cadastre and Online Repository System

By Zainab Kanu

Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray

The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray, yesterday launched the Cadastre and Online Repository System for the mining sector in the country at a ceremony at the Presidential Lounge of the National Stadium in Brookfields, Freetown.

Addressing the gathering the Minister said that the system is an electronically operated one that is free, transparent and credible.

He explained that over the years a lot of attention has been given to the mining sector which he said has made it imperative for a system to be put in place to ensure that the country is investor friendly.

He also explained that this system will greatly project the extractive sector of the country to enhance the country’s economy to the satisfaction of every Sierra Leonean.

He emphasized that the mining sector should be transparent to ensure that it becomes the business of the people who should become the greatest benefactors.

He stressed that the online repository system is a solid tool for both Government and investors to derive maximum benefit from the mining and extractive sector.

He also explained that this system will also keep the people informed on how funds are generated and expended.

Potential investors, the Minister noted, should also make use of the online system so that they can have an insight into the country’s mining and extractive sector.

He said he was happy to inform the people of this country that this system is capable of drastically stamping corrupt practices in the sector.

Making a statement, the Head of Mission, European, Union, Jean Pierre Reymondet-Commoy, said that for through this system the people of Sierra Leone will for the first time have full access to the operations and financial aspects of the mines and extractive sector.

He pointed disclosed that he was happy to be part of the process as the mines sector is very critical to national development.

He noted that the mining sector has a vast potential to help develop the country when procedures are transparent and are always done in the best interest of the people.

In his remarks, the Country Director of GIZ, Marina Mdaihli congratulated the Government and people of Sierra Leone for ensuring that the online system of mines registration and revenue collection has become a reality.

She stated that they were very proud to have provided both the moral and financial support to the Sierra Leone Mining Cadastre and Online Repository System and to have also helped in the training of staff members of the Ministry of Mines and the National Revenue Authority who will be working on the system.

She also emphasized the need for various Ministries who have working relationships with the Mines Ministry to be meeting regularly to move the system forward.

She concluded that her organisation is looking forward to the success of the system.