By Adnan Adams
N’Delei M’Baindu Sesay, a mining engineer, has spot-lighted the complex perspective on Sierra Leone’s mining regime at the 2025 Anglophone Africa Extractive Industries Knowledge Hub (AFREIKH) Summer School currently taking place in Accra, Ghana.
Sierra Leone’s rich mineral resources, including; diamonds, rutile, bauxite, gold, iron ore, and platinum plays a significant role in the economy, contributing about 5.7 percent of its GDP, 10% of government revenue, providing significant employment opportunities bagging about US$432 million export earning in the first seven months of 2024.
As a Regional Mining Engineer at Sierra Leone’s National Minerals Agency (NMA), Mrs Sesay further highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainable mining practices, with companies like Marampa Mines Limited pioneering innovative technologies like the cyclone deposition system for tailings management. In terms of Community Development; mining companies are expected to contribute to local community development through funds like the Community Development Fund (CDF), which supports initiatives in education, health, and environmental sustainability. However, the mining regime in Sierra Leone is shaped by policies and regulations aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible resource management.
The AFREIKH Summer School, organized by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and supported by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss critical issues, challenges, and innovations in Africa’s extractive industries.
Currently, Mrs Sessay participates significantly in the governance and administration of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) activities in Southern Province ensureing strict compliance with the Mines and Minerals Development Act (2023). Her role involves reviewing license procedures, monitoring mineral trading, and providing technical support to miners in an effort that reinforce regulatory adherence and promote sustainable mining practices. Additionally, she collaborates closely with government agencies, stakeholders, and local communities to implement mining policies and investigate incidents, offering actionable recommendations that support safer and more inclusive extractive sector governance.
The 2025 AFREIKH Summer School, organized by the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) and the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), takes place in Accra. It brings together participants from media, civil society, and state institutions across Anglophone Africa, fostering dialogue on extractive industry governance.
On her academic records, she holds a BSc (Hons) in Mining Engineering from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and a BA (Hons) in Interior Architecture from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. She further complements her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, along with certifications in Mineral Processing Technology, Change Leadership, and the implementation of the Mining ESIA Diagnostic Tool.
Also, She is a registered mining engineer at the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers (SLIE) and co-founder of SCAN 360+ Sierra Leone Limited, an all-in-one ecosystem for creativity, innovation, and growth delivering integrated solutions across media, technology, education, and social impact.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, women in technology, and environmental health and safety, Mrs Sesay is dedicated to enhancing governance and operational efficiency within the extractive industry. Beyond her professional life, she is an adventurous lifelong learner, a proactive team player, and actively engaged in community service, always open to new connections, cultures, and experiences.
