The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has taken enforcement action against four mining companies operating in the country. On September 26, 2026, the NRA sealed the operations of Hongtai Mining Limited, Crystal Peak Mining Limited, SH Mining Limited, and Eldorado Resources Mining Company (SL) Limited. This action was due to outstanding annual licence fees totalling $2,847,270. The affected companies operate in various districts, including Moyamba and Bonthe.
According to the NRA, each of the companies has a significant outstanding liability. Hongtai Mining Limited owes $147,270, while Crystal Peak Mining Limited and SH Mining Limited each have an outstanding fee of $1 million. Eldorado Resources Mining Company (SL) Limited has a liability of $700,000. These companies were sealed off in different locations: Hongtai Mining Limited and Crystal Peak Mining Limited in Kongbora Chiefdom, Moyamba District; SH Mining Limited in Gbengenor Section, Lower Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District; and Eldorado Resources Mining Company (SL) Limited in Sogbeni Chiefdom, Bonthe District.
The NRA's enforcement action aims to secure payment of the outstanding liabilities and strengthen compliance with Sierra Leone's tax laws. The Authority has stated that the seals will remain in place until the outstanding obligations are fully settled. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that all companies operating in the country adhere to their financial obligations.
The NRA has warned that enforcement operations are continuing, and further action may be taken against other companies with unpaid annual licence fees. This warning is in line with applicable laws and procedures, indicating a firm stance by the Authority on tax compliance. The NRA's actions are expected to encourage other companies to settle their licence fees promptly.
The mining sector is a significant contributor to Sierra Leone's economy, and the NRA's actions are crucial in ensuring that the sector operates within the legal framework. By enforcing tax compliance, the Authority aims to increase revenue collection, which can be used to fund public services and infrastructure development.
The sealed mining companies will need to settle their outstanding fees before resuming operations. This situation may impact their operations and potentially affect their workforce. However, the NRA's action underscores the importance of tax compliance for all businesses operating in Sierra Leone.
The NRA's enforcement action against these four mining companies demonstrates its commitment to ensuring tax compliance across various sectors. The Authority's efforts to secure payment of outstanding licence fees will likely have a positive impact on the country's revenue collection and economy.
Key points
- The National Revenue Authority sealed four mining companies over $2.8 million in unpaid licence fees.
- The affected companies are Hongtai Mining Limited, Crystal Peak Mining Limited, SH Mining Limited, and Eldorado Resources Mining Company (SL) Limited.
- The NRA warned of continuing enforcement operations against companies with unpaid licence fees.
