PRESS RELEASE
Statement on Mining Incident at Kumoroh, Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District and Ongoing Efforts to Prevent Illegal Mining Activities.
Freetown, 31 October, 2025. The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) wish to address the recent reports circulating regarding an alleged mining incident at Kumoroh, Nimikoro Chiefdom, Kono District. We have seen the widely shared accounts and understand the public concern and grief over the alleged loss of lives.
However, it is crucial to clarify that those involved in the alleged incident were illegal miners operating in defiance of established laws and safety protocols. The MMMR and the NMA, in collaboration with other key agencies—including the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Office of National Security (ONS), District Security Committee (DISEC), and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), have repeatedly engaged local authorities and communities to highlight the severe risks of illegal mining and have made numerous attempts to halt these dangerous activities.
Despite our ongoing warnings and efforts, the illegal miners have persistently refused to cooperate and have resisted all attempts to stop their illegal operations.
We also wish to correct the misinformation regarding the alleged incident and/or loss of lives. While the investigations are ongoing, it is important to note that there is no confirmation from authorities of any such incident and/or loss of lives at this point.
The MMMR and the NMA remain committed to working with the RSLAF, SLP, ONS, EPA and all relevant stakeholders in the ongoing investigations and will continue to update the public accordingly. We strongly urge all Residents to refrain from engaging in illegal mining, as these practices endanger lives, undermine community safety, security and cause extensive environmental damage.
We assure the public of our continued vigilance and collaboration in fighting to eradicate illegal mining activities across the entire country.
For further information please contact:
The National Minerals Agency
New England Ville, Freetown
Tel: 232 (79) 250702
Email: info@nma.gov.sl
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