Speaker - Sierra Leone Mining Week & Exhibition

Meet The Mining Week & Exhibition Speakers

Panel 1: Transition to Sustainable Energy in the Mining Industry: Challenges & Opportunities

Abu Kamara

Energy Expert

Moderator

Abu Kamara is a seasoned Management Executive with over 20 years of experience in strategic leadership, business development, risk management, and organizational administration across diverse sectors, including banking, public-private partnerships (PPP), transport, and energy distribution. He holds an Executive MBA from Colorado Technical University and a B.S. in Finance and Information Technology from George Mason University. Abu has led transformative initiatives, notably increasing revenue by 35% as Director General of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) in Sierra Leone. His strategic innovations, such as connecting mining companies to the power grid for foreign exchange, improved operational efficiency. As Director of the PPP Unit in the Office of the Vice President, Abu was pivotal in developing the PPP Law and fostering private sector investment in infrastructure projects, including major initiatives like the $194 million Wellington Milesiaka toll road and the $292 million CECA SL energy generation project. Additionally, as Chairman of Sierra Leone Commercial Bank’s Board, he successfully guided the bank through a turnaround, reducing non-performing loans and improving profitability. Abu’s experience at PNC Bank in the U.S. further solidified his expertise in driving revenue growth and leading high-performing teams. His track record in project management, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement, combined with his commitment to innovation and operational excellence, makes him a key asset to any organization.

Karim Nasser

CEO, TCQ Power Ltd | Energy & Infrastructure Development Government Reform Specialist

Panellist

Karim Nasser is a highly experienced executive with over 20 years in energy infrastructure development, government policy reforms, and project financing, specializing in emerging markets. As CEO of TCQ Power Ltd., he has successfully led large-scale energy projects, including the WAPGP (now Nant) Project, securing $417 million in funding and pioneering innovative financial instruments like the Liquidity Reserve Account. His leadership in establishing Sierra Leone’s first sector collection account has enhanced financial sustainability in the power sector. Karim has driven transformative energy projects in Sierra Leone and Lebanon, including the CECA SL Generation Ltd. (145MW Gas-to-Power project) and the South Power Solar Project. In addition to his CEO role, he advises boards of mining and port companies, where he has played a key role in negotiating mining and port concessions in Sierra Leone and establishing a cross-border energy trading network in Southern Africa. With a background in construction management, Karim has overseen major infrastructure projects in the UAE and holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the American University of Beirut. He is an active member of the Sierra Leone Renewable Energy Council and the Lebanese Foundation for Renewable Energy.

Nicola Asgill

Corporate Development, Sustainability & Investor Relations Director – FG Gold Limited

Panellist

Nicola Asgill is an experienced professional with over 15 years in finance, investment, and project development, specializing in the African natural resources sector. She holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and currently leads the US$600 million capital raise for FG Gold’s Baomahun Gold Project in Sierra Leone, alongside advancing the company’s sustainable mining initiatives. Prior to FG Gold, Nicola held key roles at Sierra Rutile, McKinsey & Company, and ManoCap, where she drove capital investments and growth across diverse sectors. Her expertise spans capital markets transactions, M&A, and leveraged buyouts.

Jasmin Roberts

Vice President Head of Energy Solutions Marampa Mines Limited (MML)

Panellist

Jasmin Roberts is responsible for implementing energy related initiatives and investment projects at MML . She has extensive experience working with governments, development partners and private sector implementing renewable energy solutions in Sierra Leone with consideration of their socio-economic impact. Jasmin has worked with United Nations including UNDP, UNOPS and WHO, McKinsey & Company, GEAPP and private sector energy companies in Sierra Leone. She has worked developing, fundraising and implementing energy projects including the first mini grid project in Sierra Leone.

Kunzhen Gou

General Manager LRMG Tonkolili Iron Ore Project

Panellist

Kunzhen Gou is a seasoned mining engineer with 17 years of extensive experience in mine operation management. As the General Manager of the LRMG Tonkolili Iron Ore Project, he has made significant contributions to the industry through his leadership and expertise.

Throughout his career, Kunzhen has led the successful construction of the Tonkolili 12-million-ton and 30-million-ton concentrators, which stand as key milestones in the project’s development. He also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the heavy fuel power plant and photovoltaic power station, further enhancing the project’s operational capabilities. His approach to mining operations is driven by a strong commitment to optimizing processes, implementing sustainable practices, and fostering innovation within the industry

Panel 2: Sierra Leone's Mining Industry: Challenges & Opportunities for Investment

Ms. Hussinatu Yilla

Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Manager

Moderator

Ms Yilla joined Sierra Rutile in 2023 as Corporate Affairs and Government Relations Manager responsible for government, stakeholder and public relations, corporate communications, reputational and crisis management. She also oversees implementation of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability objectives. Prior to joining Sierra Rutile, she was the Deputy Country Manager for Marampa Mines Limited. Ms Yilla comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the mining industry having worked at the World Bank as an Extractives Sector Specialist before taking on the role of Country Operations Officer for the World Bank country Office in Sierra Leone. She spent the earlier part of her career in Aberdeen, Scotland providing business development support to UK Oil & Gas companies venturing and operating in key hydrocarbon markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Madam Jeneba Bangura

Commissioner General, Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)

Madam Jeneba Bangura is a highly accomplished Chartered Public Accountant with extensive experience in public financial management. She has played a key role in fiscal reforms and improving public financial systems. From 2018 to 2023, she served as Deputy Commissioner General of the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA), overseeing tax administration and policy enforcement. In 2023, she was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance and later became Commissioner General of the NRA. In her current role, Madam Bangura has led transformative reforms that have successfully met revenue targets and enhanced operational efficiency, positioning the NRA as a critical driver of Sierra Leone’s economic growth and sustainability.

Ibrahim D. Cole

Management Director, Leonoil & Executive Director, Sierra Rutile Holdings

Panellist

Ibrahim Cole is a distinguished Sierra Leonean business executive with extensive experience in mining, oil, and infrastructure. As the Managing Director of Leonoil, he has been a driving force behind the company’s successful acquisition of Sierra Rutile Limited in 2024, the world’s largest producer of natural rutile. Under his leadership, the acquisition marked the first time in over 50 years that the company came under Sierra Leonean ownership. Following the acquisition, Cole now serves on the boards of both Sierra Rutile Holdings (SRX) and Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), where he focuses on promoting sustainable mining practices and fostering local economic development. Cole holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, an MBA, and has completed the Program for Leadership Development at Harvard University. His career spans a diverse range of sectors, including banking, international development, and infrastructure. Prior to his current role, Cole held positions at Bank of America and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority. His leadership continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the resource sector in Sierra Leone, particularly in mining and energy.

Winston George Williams

Executive Director & Head Corporate Bank – Ecobank

Panellist

Winston is an accomplished management and finance professional with over 25 years of professional experience working for various local and international organizations such as DFID, ADB, IFAD, the Sierra Leone National Petroleum, Tear Fund Sierra Leone, Mobil Oil Sierra Leone among others. He also has over 15 years’ experience working in the banking industry as a business and financial expert. Prior to his appointment as Head of Corporate Banking Department and Executive Director of Ecobank Sierra Leone Limited, he had also served in the capacity as Financial Controller of Ecobank Sierra Leone Limited and Managing Director of the Ecobank Microfinance Sierra Leone Limited. He possesses a track record which includes delivering successful strategies to turn around businesses, drive sustainable profitability and build strong revenues. He has a wealth of experience delivering valuable support towards the growth of the Microfinance sector within and out of Ecobank. He had participated in the formulation process of several Microfinance initiatives that have benefited various levels of micro lending schemes in the country. He is a Fellow of the Association Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA UK) and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Sierra Leone (FCA SL). He also holds an Association of Accounting Technicians qualification UK.

Panel 3 -The Role of Critical Minerals in Shaping Sierra Leone's Future Economic Development

Dr. Solomon A. Tucker

Head of the Department of Mining Engineering at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone

Moderator

Solomon is a highly experienced mining engineer and geologist with over 25 years in the mining industry and 11 years in university teaching. He holds a PhD in Mining Engineering from the University of Utah, where he specialized in mine-to-mill process optimization as a Fulbright Scholar. He has expertise in explosives, rock fragmentation, mine-to-mill integration, orebody modeling, resource/reserve estimation, mine design, and tailings facility engineering. Solomon played a significant role in the post-war recovery and development of mining operations in Sierra Leone, and was involved in founding the country’s first mineral sands company owned primarily by Sierra Leoneans. He is currently a Non-Executive Director at JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited and the founder and Managing Director of Pivot Technologies Limited, an engineering consultancy. He is also the Head of the Department of Mining Engineering at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.

Solomon is a member of several professional organizations, including the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE), Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), and the International Society for Explosives Engineers (ISEE). He is dedicated to enhancing the global standing of Sierra Leonean mining engineers.

2. Mr. Karefa Kargbo

The Executive Director Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC)

Panellist

Karefa Kargbo is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant and international finance expert with over three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as the Executive Director and Board Secretary of the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), where he plays a key role in ensuring state participation in the mining sector. Kargbo’s career includes significant leadership positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, and senior roles in international firms, where he honed his expertise in financial management, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. His experience as an auditor and corporate executive in sectors like telecommunications and petroleum management further solidified his financial acumen. A retired Lieutenant Colonel of the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, Kargbo’s leadership is informed by military discipline and strategic thinking. He holds an MBA in International Finance and Management & Entrepreneurship from American University, Washington, D.C., and has furthered his education at the Wharton School of Business.

Mr. Lima Sufian-Kargbo

Chief Executive Officer, Sierra Rutile Limited and President, Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines

Panellist

Sufian-Kargbo is a chartered engineer and project leader with over 25 years working in civil engineering and project management across Europe and Africa. His career began in infrastructure, working on major rail and road projects in the UK. Most recently, he delivered the EUR450M Makeni Power & Ethanol Project, a greenfield sugarcane to ethanol project in Sierra Leone funded by a number of DFIs. Prior to joining Sierra Rutile, Mr Sufian-Kargbo was Managing Director of Centurion Engineering Limited.

Ansu Katta

Principal Consultant GeoScope, Ex President Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists (SLIG)

Panellist

Ansu Katta is a geologist and mining business development professional with over 21 years of experience in mineral exploration, environmental management, and regulatory compliance. He has worked with leading companies like African Minerals and Jindal Steel, as well as public institutions, and contributed to DFID and World Bank-funded projects. Currently, as Principal Consultant at GeoScope, he specializes in mining business development and compliance. Ansu is also the former President of the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists, where he advanced geoscience professionalism in Sierra Leone

Panel 4 - Mining & Climate Change: Balancing Resource Extraction and Environmental Stewardship in a Changing Climate

Fuad Yusuf Bangura

Director of Climate Change
Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security Office of the President, Republic of Sierra Leone

Moderator

Fuad Yusuf Bangura is an experienced Environmental Safeguards and Climate Change Specialist with over 15 years of expertise in environmental governance and sustainable development. He currently serves as the Director of Climate Change under the Presidential Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security at the Office of the President, Sierra Leone. In this role, he leads national strategies on climate change mitigation, renewable energy transition, and food security. Fuad has also worked as the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory and MRV Consultant to the FAO, where he helped design systems for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Sierra Leone’s compliance with global climate agreements. He holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Management and Quality Control from Njala University and is pursuing an M.Sc. in Mining Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology, Ghana.In addition to his government role, Fuad is the Managing Director of Makona Environmental Consultants (SL) Ltd, collaborating with other firms on major projects. He is also a certified member of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (MSLIE) and the Sierra Leone Institution of Geoscientists.

Ing Andrew Keili

Managing Director CEMMATS GROUP LIMITED

Panellist

Ing. Andrew Keili is a Mining Engineer with over 45 years of experience in the mining, environmental, and infrastructure sectors. He is the Managing Director of CEMMATS Group Ltd., a leading engineering and environmental consultancy in Sierra Leone. Ing. Keili has held senior roles at major mining companies and has consulted for international agencies in Sierra Leone, the USA, and Ukraine. He has significantly contributed to the formulation of government policies on mining, environmental management, and infrastructure in Sierra Leone. His work has focused on ensuring that mining benefits reach local communities, promoting transparency, and addressing issues in artisanal mining. He has also been involved in regional tax harmonization for precious minerals and has chaired the Government Gold and Diamond Office (GGDO). Currently, Ing. Keili chairs the Board of Directors of the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). With his vast expertise and leadership, Ing. Keili continues to play a key role in advancing Sierra Leone’s mining and environmental sectors

Dr. Abu-Bakar Massaquoi

Executive Chairman, Environment Protection Agency-Sierra Leone (EPA-SL)

Panellist

Abu-Bakar S. Massaquoi (ABM) is a distinguished leader in environmental governance and climate policy, serving as the Executive Chairman of Sierra Leone’s Environment Protection Agency (EPA). Under his leadership, the EPA has undergone a transformative overhaul, positioning it as a high-performing, results-driven organization. ABM is the architect of the EPA Transformation Strategy and has pioneered reforms that set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship in Sierra Leone. With over 15 years of international development experience across three continents, ABM has contributed to more than 60 technical assignments and advisory roles in 25 countries. His expertise spans climate finance, environmental policy, and institutional capacity-building, and he has worked with prominent global organizations such as USAID, UNDP, UNOPS, and the African Development Bank. ABM has played a crucial role in shaping Sierra Leone’s National Adaptation Plan, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and various climate initiatives across Africa. A respected academic, ABM’s educational background includes studies at Njala University and leading UK institutions such as the Universities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Reading. He is also involved in research collaborations with the Universities of Bristol and Cambridge, and co-founded the Centre for Climate Change and Development at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Nigeria. ABM’s leadership is driven by a commitment to collaboration, systems change, and community-driven solutions, which he champions through initiatives like the annual Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) Conference.

Joseph Rahall

Executive Director, Green Scenery

Panellist

Joseph Rahall is a veteran environmental advocate and land governance expert with over 30 years of experience in environmental security, peacebuilding, and advocacy. He is the Founder and Executive Director of Green Scenery, a leading Sierra Leonean NGO focused on sustainable land use and environmental justice.

Mr. Rahall holds a BSc in Agriculture, a Master’s in Environmental Security and Peace from UPEACE, Costa Rica, and postgraduate qualifications in Transitional Justice from the University of Cape Town and the International Center for Transitional Justice.

He has led numerous research and training initiatives on land governance, rural livelihoods, and environmental policy, and has contributed to key publications including the 2012 Global Hunger Index. In 2020, he received The African Environment and Wangari Maathai Award. He is also a member of national technical working groups on land tenure and conservation.

Panel 5 - Assessing the Impact of the Community Development Fund (CDF) in Sierra Leone: Successes and Challenges

Abu Augustus Brima

Founder & Executive Director, Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD).

Moderator

Abu Augustus Brima is a Sierra Leonean development practitioner and human rights advocate with over 30 years of experience in civil society and social movements. As the Founder and Executive Director of NMJD, he has been instrumental in establishing key initiatives such as the Natural Resource Governance and Economic Justice Network (NaRGEJ) and the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition (KP CSC).

Abu represents civil society on the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI) Multi-Stakeholders Group and has held leadership roles in organizations like the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace and the Minerals Advisory Board. He is dedicated to advancing sustainable development, natural resource governance, and community empowerment.

Ibrahim Satti Kamara

Director of Communications & Community Affairs

Panellist

Ibrahim Satti Kamara is an accomplished communications strategist and community development expert, currently serving as the Director of Communications and Community Affairs at the National Minerals Agency (NMA) of Sierra Leone. With extensive experience in both public relations and grassroots engagement, he plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between mining stakeholders and host communities.

Mr. Kamara has led and supported transformative community engagement initiatives across Sierra Leone’s mining regions. His work has empowered communities to engage meaningfully with mining companies on critical issues such as land acquisition, crop compensation, community development agreements, and conflict mediation. He is known for championing transparency, inclusive dialogue, and rights-based approaches to community relations within the extractive sector.

With advanced academic training in Communication and Development, Mr. Kamara combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of Sierra Leone’s socio-political landscape. His career reflects a strong commitment to sustainable development, stakeholder trust-building, and the protection of community interests in resource governance.

Salim K. Sillah

Chief Technical Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG).

Panellist

Salim is a seasoned leader in the mining industry with over 20 years of experience in mineral property acquisition, exploration, and mining development. Since joining Kingho, now LRMG, in 2020, he has contributed significantly to the planning, management, and administration of large-scale mining and logistics projects, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. With academic credentials including a Master’s in Mining Geology from the Camborne School of Mines and an Honours degree in Geology from the University of Sierra Leone, Salim brings deep technical expertise and strategic oversight to the mining sector in Sierra Leone.Throughout his career, Salim has led impactful negotiations with governments and local communities, tackled complex technical challenges, and contributed to conflict resolution through strategic dialogue. He is known for his ability to work effectively across cultures, building strong partnerships that support cross-border operations. His commitment to sustainable development and community engagement has helped position LRMG as a key player in Sierra Leone’s mining sector, advancing the country’s potential in mineral exploration and resource development.

Panel 6 - Legal and Regulatory Framework: The Impact of Effective Monitoring and Compliance in the Mining Sector

Daniel Gbondo, Esq

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone

Moderator

Daniel has over two decades of experience in natural resource governance, mining policy, and peacebuilding. Initially trained as a sociologist, he began his career in 2001 as a peacebuilder in Sierra Leone, playing a key role in the peace process during the civil conflict. He later worked with the National Democratic Institute (NDI), strengthening parliamentary governance, and with the Foundation for Environmental Security and Sustainability (FESS), supporting mining communities in transforming abandoned lands and promoting women’s economic empowerment. Daniel has been instrumental in shaping mining policies and legislation in Sierra Leone, including the Sierra Leone Minerals Policy 2018, Mines and Minerals Development Act 2023, and National Minerals Agency Act 2022. His work extends to regional and international consultancy, including with the World Bank, African Development Bank, and USAID, focusing on policy and regulatory reforms in the African mining sector.

Peter Kapr Bangura

Director of Mines, National Minerals Agency (NMA).

Panellist

Peter Kapr Bangura is a Civil and Mining Engineer with a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and an MSc in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. He also holds a Master of Public Policy from the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

As the Director of Mines at the NMA, Mr. Bangura oversees the management and development of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources, supervising key units such as Licensing and Technical Assessment, Mining Cadastre, and Mining Compliance. He plays a critical role in policy implementation, strategic advisory, and negotiating large-scale mining projects between investors and the government.

An advocate for transparency, Mr. Bangura contributed to Sierra Leone’s EITI compliance and is an active member of the Sierra Leone Multi-Stakeholder Group. He also serves on the Environment Protection Agency and the Minerals Advisory Boards. Previously, he worked as a Mine Planning Engineer at Tonkolili Iron Ore.

He is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), the Sierra Leone Institute of Engineers (SLIE), and the Camborne School of Mines Association (CSMA).

Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Esq.

Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources
Republic of Sierra Leone*

Panellist

Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Esq. is an accomplished legal professional and public servant, currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Sierra Leone. He brings extensive experience in law, governance, and international dispute resolution, underpinned by a strong commitment to justice, transparency, and national development.

Mr. Koroma holds a postgraduate degree in International Dispute Resolution from the University of London, with Merit, through Queen Mary University of London. His specialization includes International Commercial Arbitration and International Investment Law. He also holds undergraduate degrees in Law and Political Science from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. In addition, he possesses certifications from the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the Africa Arbitration Academy.

His public service includes key roles such as Deputy Minister of Justice and Chairman of the National Commission for Privatization. In these capacities, he led Sierra Leone’s delegation to major international forums, including the Singapore Convention on Mediation, and provided policy oversight for state-owned enterprises. As Deputy Minister of Justice, he played a central role in negotiations involving major mining agreements and was part of the legal team handling the high-profile mining dispute between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Gerald Group.

Before joining government, Mr. Koroma had a successful career in private legal practice, serving as Deputy Head of Chambers at one of Sierra Leone’s top law firms and contributing to landmark legal cases that helped shape national jurisprudence.

He also serves as the National Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party, underscoring his leadership in both legal and political spheres. Mr. Koroma is known for his unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and his strong commitment to strengthening institutions, promoting good governance, and ensuring the responsible and sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s natural resources. His service continues to reflect a deep passion for the socio-economic advancement of the country and the empowerment of its people.

Wara Serry Kamal

Head of Compliance/Board Member Marampa Mines Limited (MML)

Panellist

Wara Serry-Kamal is an experienced legal professional with nearly 20 years in corporate law, litigation, and regulatory compliance. She serves as Head of Compliance and Board Member at Marampa Mines Limited and is General Counsel for Gerald Group’s Sierra Leone operations. A practicing attorney and founder of her own legal firm in Sierra Leone, Wara has also worked with leading law firms in Washington, D.C., and clerked for a U.S. federal judge. She brings a strong track record in legal strategy, governance, and cross-border advisory in the mining and natural resources sector.

Hon. Saa Emerson Laminina

Parliamentary Chairman, Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources

Panellist

Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina is a prominent political leader from Kono District, Sierra Leone. From his humble beginnings as an artisanal miner, he has risen to become the Parliamentary Chairman of the Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources and the Deputy Leader 2 of Government Business in Parliament, representing Cluster 030 in Kono District. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics (B.A.Ed) and double Master’s degrees in social and development studies from Njala University, where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Development Studies. His career began in academia, where he lectured at the Milton Margai College of Education & Technology and the Government Technical Institute in Freetown. He also served as Personnel Manager for a mining company in Kono District. In 2008, Hon. Lamina was appointed Deputy Chief Administrator of the Kono District Council, while also contributing to educational initiatives and playing a key role in the Cause Canada Regional Peace Building Project, which promoted youth and women’s involvement in governance and peacebuilding across Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. In 2012, Hon. Lamina made history by becoming the youngest Mayor in West Africa, overseeing the Koidu Municipality. His leadership was marked by significant development in the region. He currently serves in the ECOWAS Parliament and as Vice Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee on Energy and Mines. He has received multiple parliamentary awards and was honored with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel (GCOR), one of Sierra Leone’s highest national honors, in 2022.

Ing Samuel J. Kamara

Mining & Compliance Manager, Leone Rock Metal Group &
Associate Lecturer, Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone*

Panellist

Ing. Samuel J. Kamara is a seasoned Engineer and Mining Professional with over 18 years of experience in mining operations, compliance, and project management. He holds a Master’s degree in Mining Engineering from the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, UK.

Samuel currently serves as the Mining & Compliance Manager at Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG), a leading mineral resources investment company in Sierra Leone. His role involves ensuring that all operations adhere to legal and regulatory standards as well as international best practices. He has played a vital role in managing large-scale mining projects, particularly in iron ore, with a strong focus on compliance and execution.

His career spans key positions at major institutions including London Mining Company, Timis Mining Corporation, Sierra Rutile Ltd, and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority. In addition to his industry work, Samuel has over 13 years of academic experience and currently serves as an Associate Lecturer at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. He has also lectured at Njala University.

With a solid foundation in surface mining and a strong commitment to excellence, Samuel continues to contribute significantly to both industry and academia.

Panel 7 - The Impact of Illegal and Illicit Mining on Sierra Leone’s Economy: Challenges and solutions

Daniel Gbondo, Esq

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Sierra Leone

Moderator

Alusine Timbo

Deputy Director of Mines, National Minerals Agency (NMA).

Panellist

Alusine Timbo serves as the Deputy Director of Mines at Sierra Leone’s National Minerals Agency (NMA), where he plays a key leadership role in regulating and overseeing mining operations across the country. With over 15 years of experience in the sector, he brings deep expertise in mineral rights administration, mine project evaluation, health and safety standards, and mineral sector governance.

Alusine holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Mines Management, and a B.Eng. (Hons) from the University of Sierra Leone. He has also completed advanced professional training in mining engineering, environmental management, and resource governance from leading institutions including the University of Mines and Technology (Ghana), Jilin University (China), Curtin University (Australia), University of Witwatersrand (South Africa), University of Dundee, and the University of Oxford.

He is a committed advocate for regulatory excellence, sustainable development, and strengthening institutional frameworks within Sierra Leone’s mining industry.

Mo-Bashir Idriss

Project Manager, Planet GOLD Sierra Leone Project | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Panellist

Mo-Bashir Idriss is the Project Manager for the GEF-funded planetGOLD Sierra Leone Project, which aims to help artisanal gold miners transition to mercury-free, responsible mining practices. The project focuses on formalization, improving access to finance, and introducing sustainable technologies at three pilot sites. Prior to this role, Mo-Bashir served as the Director of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at the EPA, where he led efforts to safeguard public health and promote safety through effective environmental management practices, risk assessments, and pollution control.

Hon. Paramount Chief Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III

Paramount Chief of Sandor Chiefdom, National Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chief

Panellist

Hon. Paramount Chief Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III is a respected traditional leader with over 30 years of experience in governance, environmental conservation, and community development. As the Paramount Chief of Sandor Chiefdom since 2005, he has been instrumental in promoting sustainable leadership and national cohesion. He currently serves as the National Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs and holds positions on several key national boards, including the Minerals Advisory Board and the National Lands Commission. With a background in Agriculture and Forestry, Chief Fasuluku has contributed significantly to conservation efforts and community development, particularly through the Gola Rainforest Conservation Programme. His leadership has been pivotal in promoting peace, good governance, and local empowerment, especially in conflict-affected regions.

Ing Andrew Keili

Managing Director CEMMATS GROUP LIMITED

Panellist

Esther Kandeh

Founder and Executive Director of Women on Mining and Extractives

Panellist

With a background in Gender Studies, Project Management, and Development Studies, and over 15 years of experience in the development sector, Esther is a distinguished leader in her field. Born in Kono District, an area rich in diamonds yet plagued by child labor, environmental degradation, and gender inequalities, Esther’s personal experiences inspired her to establish WoME-SL. The organization focuses on addressing economic disparity, social marginalization, and the vulnerabilities of women in mining communities. In addition to her work with WoME, Esther serves on the board of Global Greengrants and is an active member of the Kimberley Process. She is also the founder of the Women’s Alliance on Natural Resources Governance in Sierra Leone (WANrg-SL) and the driving force behind “Make It Real,” an annual conference designed to empower young girls. Esther is a passionate advocate for human rights, particularly women’s rights, and actively contributes to national and international initiatives focused on natural resource governance and environmental sustainability