The government of Sierra Leone has denied revoking the mining license of JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited, stating unequivocally that the company never actually obtained a Large-Scale Mining Licence in the country. This assertion clarifies the government's position on the status of JM Mining's operations within Sierra Leone's mineral sector. The conditional offer for the licence, which was extended to the company, eventually lapsed, according to officials. This lapse occurred after JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited failed to meet the necessary legal and financial requirements within the stipulated period, a critical step for the finalization of any mining permit. The government emphasized that, despite receiving an offer, JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited never progressed to holding an actual, legally binding Large-Scale Mining Licence.
Timeline of Offer and Default
JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited initially received the conditional offer for a Large-Scale Mining Licence on January 23, 2025. This offer outlined the terms and conditions under which a full licence could be granted. Following the conditional offer, the National Minerals Agency (NMA) subsequently delayed issuing the statutory payment demand for approximately six months at the company’s request, indicating a period of accommodation from the regulatory body. Official Orders to Pay were eventually issued on July 24, 2025, detailing the financial obligations required from JM Mining. These orders specifically required JM Mining to pay US$1 million in licence fees and an additional US$100,000 in monitoring fees. These key payments were due within 30 days of the order being issued, establishing a clear deadline for the company.
The initial payment deadline for the company consequently expired on August 23, 2025, marking the first instance of non-compliance with the financial requirements. Following a formal payment demand from the National Revenue Authority on October 28, 2025, JM Mining reportedly requested an extension until December 31, 2025. JM Mining admitted its payment default in three separate written communications, according to government officials, acknowledging its failure to meet the financial obligations. On January 30, 2026, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources formally confirmed that the conditional offer had lapsed and officially rescinded it. This decisive action by the Minister came 372 days after the offer was initially approved and 190 days after the payment orders were issued to the company, noting the significant period during which JM Mining failed to fulfill its obligations.
Legal Framework and Support
Under Section 108(5) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, an applicant is unequivocally required to accept a conditional offer in writing and settle all prescribed statutory fees before a mining licence can be officially granted. This legal provision shows the sequential nature of the licensing process, where financial compliance is a prerequisite for final approval. Government officials emphasized that a conditional offer itself does not constitute a licence, serving merely as an invitation to fulfill further requirements. "A conditional offer is not a licence," the Government stated, showing the critical distinction between the preliminary offer and the final issuance of a permit, which confers actual mineral rights.
Throughout the application process, the Government provided substantial institutional support to JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited. This support aimed to facilitate the company's adherence to the necessary legal and financial requirements for obtaining a Large-Scale Mining Licence, prior to the conditional offer lapsing due to unfulfilled obligations. The government’s efforts included delaying the payment demand at the company's request and engaging in communications regarding extensions, demonstrating a willingness to assist JM Mining in navigating the regulatory landscape.
Official Clarification and Stance
JM Mining Kenema (SL) Limited received only a conditional offer of mineral rights, according to government officials, not an actual licence. This distinction is central to the government's position, as it asserts that no licence was ever in effect to be revoked. The government maintained that waiving US$1.1 million in statutory fees for a single applicant would fundamentally undermine regulatory integrity and the principles of fair governance. Such an action would also weaken the principle of equal treatment and disadvantage other mining operators who have diligently complied with Sierra Leone’s licensing requirements and paid their dues, officials added. This clarification was reported by The Calabash Newspaper, Sierra Leone's leading English-language news platform, which was established in 2017 and is known for its full coverage of national affairs. The government's firm stance reinforces its commitment to upholding the Mines and Minerals Development Act and ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the mining sector.