The National Minerals Agency has taken a significant step toward promoting youth engagement in the mining sector through a consultative meeting aimed at establishing School Mining Clubs across selected schools in northern Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held on Thursday, 7 May 2026, at the NMA Regional Office Conference Room in Upper Ladies Mile, Makeni, brought together NMA officials, teachers, and pupils to discuss the formation, objectives, and operational framework of the proposed clubs.
Chairing the meeting was the NMA Regional Manager, Mohamed Gaima, who described the initiative as a strategic move to inspire young people to take interest in earth sciences, mineral management, and responsible mining practices.
In his welcome address, Mr. Gaima warmly received participants and emphasized the importance of involving young people in conversations surrounding Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth and sustainable development.
“When I look around this room, I see representatives not only from our schools but also the future architects of Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth,” he stated.
He noted that while the NMA was established to regulate and oversee mining operations, achieving transparency and accountability in the sector requires an informed and engaged population.
According to Mr. Gaima, the School Mining Clubs are intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the mining industry by introducing pupils to subjects such as geology, engineering, environmental management, and ethical mineral governance at an early stage.
The meeting commenced with registration led by Regional Geologist and Engineer David Braima, followed by opening prayers and introductions of NMA staff, teachers, and pupils.
A technical presentation was later delivered by Senior Regional Geologist A. B. Turay, who provided participants with an overview of the work of the Agency and the broader mining sector in Sierra Leone.
Discussions during the session focused on the objectives of the clubs, including encouraging youth interest in earth sciences and promoting awareness about the responsible management of mineral resources. Participants also explored how the clubs would fit within existing extracurricular activities in schools.
The proposed clubs are expected to provide pupils with opportunities to learn about the lifecycle of minerals—from exploration to export—while also exposing them to ethical practices in mining and potential career opportunities within the industry.
Teachers were identified as key “Staff Advisors” who will support the clubs within their respective schools, while pupils will serve as “Mining Club Ambassadors” responsible for promoting participation and leadership among their peers.
Mr. Gaima reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting the initiative through educational materials, mentorship, and educational field visits to mining sites and related institutions.
“We do not just give you a club—we build it with you,” he told participants, encouraging pupils to actively contribute ideas during the brainstorming session.
The consultative meeting concluded with discussions on enrollment procedures, timelines for the official launch of the clubs in participating schools, and a vote of thanks delivered by a teacher representative.
The initiative is widely viewed as an important step toward nurturing a new generation of responsible Sierra Leonean geologists, engineers, environmentalists, and mining policy leaders who will contribute meaningfully to the future of the country’s extractive sector.
