BY: ABDUL MARTINS FODAY AMARA IN KENEMA
On March 13, 2024, Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, vehemently denounced the practice of mining and exporting diamonds from diamond-rich African countries without adding value to increase revenue for these countries.
Mr Umaru Koroma, the Guest Speaker at the Intra-Africa Dialogue on Rough Diamonds Beneficiation and Value Addition at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, underscored the pressing need for the continent to abandon the archaic 'dig and ship' approach to our precious diamonds. He reiterated that mineral-rich nations have suffered due to their failure to fully exploit their mineral potential, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Umaru Napoleon Koroma, a staunch advocate against foreign exploitation of Africa's natural resources, firmly stated that only a handful of countries like South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola have successfully added value to their rough diamonds, significantly boosting their economies. He insisted that nations must prioritize the establishment of local diamond beneficiation industries to gain a competitive edge in global markets and that the adoption of cutting-edge technologies is crucial to this endeavor. He stressed, 'Beneficiation and value-addition processes within the diamond value chain must take place within the respective countries to maximize economic contribution.'
Mr Umaru Napoleon Koroma, a leading voice against foreign exploitation of Africa's natural resources, reiterated his call for new laws and policy frameworks that truly reflect the will of citizens. He expressed his hope that the issues discussed at the event would translate into tangible outcomes, demonstrating his commitment to effecting change for the benefit of citizens in member countries.
Sierra Leone currently holds the position of Vice Chair of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA).
Comments