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Diamond remained the most significant mineral commodity to Sierra Leone’s economy. The country was the world’s 10th ranked producer of diamond, by volume, in 2010 and the world’s third ranked producer of rutile. Other mineral commodities produced included bauxite, cement, gold, and ilmenite (Gambogi, 2011; Kimberley Process Rough Diamond Statistics, 2011).
Government Policies and Programs
Sierra Leone adopted into law a new Mines and Minerals Act in 2009. Under the new law, all rights of ownership in and control of minerals in Sierra Leone were vested in the state. The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs was the Government agency responsible for the general administration and implementation of the law. The Sierra Leone Geological Survey was responsible for undertaking the geologic mapping of Sierra Leone, in addition to reconnaissance and exploration operations and the compilation, publication, and dissemination of information concerning the geology and mineral resources of the country. The Minerals Advisory Board was responsible for advising and making recommendations to the Minister of Mines on matters relating to minerals, including reconnaissance, exploration, mining, processing, import and export, and the marketing of minerals; monitoring the implementation of every Government policy relating to minerals; granting applications for mining licenses, and renewing, suspending, transferring and canceling licenses, among other tasks (Ministry of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs, 2009, 2011; Revenue Watch Institute, undated).
Production
In 2010, bauxite production increased by 44% to 1.0 million metric tons (Mt) from 757,000 metric tons (t) in 2009; cement production increased by 27.4% to 300,980 t from 236,240 t; diamond production, by 9.2% to 437,516 carats; gold production, by 72.2% to 270 kilograms (kg); ilmenite production, by 20% to 18,206 t; and rutile production, by 6.8% to 68,198 t.
http://www.afribiz.info/content/sierra-leone-mineral-industry-overview
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