Sierra Leone’s mining sector, one of the nation’s biggest job creators and revenue sources has continued its upward trajectory, offering fresh employment opportunities for thousands of citizens. Latest figures from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) revealed significant job growth, signaling renewed investor confidence in the industry.

According to verified production reports submitted by mining companies, 17,448 Sierra Leoneans were employed in the industrial mining sector by mid-2025. This represents an increase of 567 jobs over the previous year and a net gain of 2,748 compared to the 14,700 employed in 2024. The data excludes artisanal miners, who though outside formal structures, sustain countless households nationwide.

Sector Breakdown

The numbers show where the growth is happening:

Large-scale mining companies boosted their workforce by 952.

Mine contractors, who deliver technical and logistical services, recorded the sharpest increase with 1,706 new jobs.

Small-scale mines added 90 positions, marking steady formalization in that segment.

Together, these categories created more than 2,700 additional jobs, consolidating mining’s place as a pillar of national employment.

Employment Structure

Most workers remain in non-supervisory roles, reflecting the labor-intensive character of the industry. In 2025, 14,948 employees were below supervisory level, while 2,104 held supervisory posts. Senior management positions, however, declined slightly—from 432 in 2024 to 396 this year.

This trend highlights the need to expand career pathways and strengthen technical training, enabling Sierra Leoneans to step into more supervisory and managerial roles.

Local Content Impact

The report also shows a healthy balance between Sierra Leonean and expatriate workers. With over 17,000 locals in jobs, the dominance of Sierra Leonean participation reflects the success of government-led local content policies. Expatriate roles remain limited, mostly confined to specialized technical and managerial functions—an encouraging sign that more nationals are filling skilled positions.

Broader Economic Benefits

Beyond direct jobs, the sector fuels economic activity. Mining salaries circulate into local businesses, healthcare, housing and education, while growth in contracting firms stimulates opportunities for domestic suppliers and service providers. Taxes, royalties and community development agreements further translate mining revenues into wider socio-economic gains, directly benefiting over 17,000 households.

Official Response

The MMMR and NMA welcomed the figures, stressing that reforms aimed at boosting investment, transparency and local participation are paying off. “The rise in employment confirms that Sierra Leone’s mining industry is on a growth path. It reflects investor confidence and highlights how local content drives sustainable development,” officials said.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these gains, challenges persist. Global commodity price fluctuations, environmental concerns, and the delicate balance between foreign investment and national interest continue to shape the sector. Analysts caution that long-term sustainability depends on investing in vocational training and capacity building, ensuring Sierra Leoneans can occupy senior technical and managerial roles.

Outlook

With reforms continuing, new investments flowing and infrastructure improving, Sierra Leone’s mining sector looks set for further growth. Crucially, the emphasis on local employment ensures citizens remain at the heart of this progress.

The numbers speak clearly: 2,748 new jobs since 2024, over 17,000 Sierra Leoneans employed, and a sector that is proving its weight as a cornerstone of economic empowerment, skills transfer and sustainable development.