The National Minerals Agency (NMA) of Sierra Leone is organizing a landmark international training programme on geohazards and mine environmental management. The country will host its first-ever PanAfGeo training course from December 7 to 12, 2026. This weeklong programme will bring together approximately 35 geoscientists and five international expert trainers from across Africa and Europe. The focus will be on strengthening technical capacity in geological risk assessment and environmental management within the mining sector.
Preparations for the training followed a mission to Freetown by an international delegation. The delegation was led by Professor Stanisław Wołkowicz of the Polish Geological Institute. Giuseppe Delmonaco and Dr. Francesco Traversa from the Geological Survey of Italy (ISPRA) were also part of the delegation. During their visit, the delegation conducted site evaluations and held discussions with Sierra Leone’s National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
The engagement during the delegation's visit focused on strengthening the use of geoscience data in national disaster risk reduction strategies. There was also a focus on improving early emergency preparedness for geological hazards. The training is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s capacity to identify, assess, and mitigate geological risks. It will also support safer and more sustainable mining practices.
The initiative forms part of PanAfGeo+ (2025–2029), an ongoing geological cooperation programme supported by the European Union. Since its launch in 2016, the PanAfGeo framework has trained more than 1,750 African geoscientists across the continent. The programme supports the development of geological expertise and technical capacity in participating countries.
The training programme will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage geological risks effectively. This will contribute to the country's efforts to ensure safer mining practices and sustainable development. The programme also aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among geoscientists and experts from Africa and Europe.
The PanAfGeo training course is a significant opportunity for Sierra Leone to enhance its geological expertise. The course will help the country to address geological risks and promote sustainable mining practices. The National Minerals Agency (NMA) and the international delegation have worked together to ensure the success of this initiative.
The weeklong training programme will conclude with a wrap-up session and a plan for future collaborations. The impact of the training will be measured through follow-up assessments and evaluations. The National Minerals Agency (NMA) will work with the participants to ensure that the knowledge and skills gained are applied effectively in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- The training course is part of the PanAfGeo+ programme, which has trained over 1,750 African geoscientists since its launch in 2016.
- The programme aims to strengthen technical capacity in geological risk assessment and environmental management within the mining sector.
- The training will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage geological risks effectively and promote sustainable mining practices.
