Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Implements Automated Diamond and Gold Kimberley Process Certification Desk
The National Minerals Agency has launched an automated diamond valuation and digital Kimberly Process tracking portal in Koidu to prevent mineral smuggling and protect artisanal digger prices.
Executive Intelligence Brief
- Digital gemological assay lab and Kimberley Process portal launched in Koidu.
- Artisanal miners receive independent laser spectrometer valuations in 30 minutes.
- Eliminates predatory middleman discounting on rough diamonds and gold.
- Full royalty capture secured directly into sovereign development accounts.
KOIDU, SIERRA LEONE — The National Minerals Agency (NMA) of Sierra Leone has inaugurated an advanced digital mineral assay laboratory and automated Kimberley Process certification center in Koidu, the epicentre of the nation's diamond mining industry in Kono District.
The computerized facility features high-resolution gemological digital microscopes and laser spectrometer analysis, providing independent carat, clarity, and color evaluations for artisanal miners within 30 minutes of parcel submission.
Historically, smallholder artisanal miners were vulnerable to exploitation by predatory middlemen who undervalued raw rough diamonds before smuggling them across land borders into neighboring jurisdictions.
Minister of Mines Julius Daniel Mattai affirmed that integrating digital valuation certificates with the central bank export registry ensures that fair commercial market value is paid directly into miners' verified domestic bank accounts, with full royalty payments captured for national treasury development.
Byline: Amara Sesay · Published: Thursday, October 29, 2026
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