The Gold Production Process in Sierra Leone

GO-FOR-GOLD Benefits The Whole Nation

Introduction

Sierra Leone is renowned for its rich mineral resources, particularly gold. However, beyond its natural abundance, what sets Sierra Leone apart is its evolving commitment to transparency, security, and ethical mining practices. This process, from the ground to global markets, involves numerous steps designed to ensure purity, legal compliance, and international trust.

Mining Process

The gold journey begins with exploration. Geologists and mining companies work tirelessly to identify potential gold deposits using sophisticated methods like aerial surveys and geological mapping. Once a promising site is located, more detailed drilling and sampling determine the quality and quantity of the gold present.

Sierra Leone predominantly relies on two types of mining: Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), where local miners use basic tools to extract gold from riverbeds and alluvial deposits, and Industrial Mining, employed by larger corporations that use heavy machinery to extract gold from deeper rock formations.

After extraction, the separation process begins. Using gravity separation techniques, miners isolate the heavier gold particles from lighter waste materials. Sometimes, chemical methods like cyanide leaching may be applied, although such techniques face scrutiny for their environmental impacts.

Government Assay & Certification

Once the gold is extracted and processed, it undergoes further purification. The initial refinement or smelting heats the gold ore at high temperatures, resulting in doré bars, which are a mix of gold and silver. To meet international standards, these bars are further refined, often achieving 99.5% to 99.99% purity through electrolysis.

But the process doesn’t end there. Before entering international markets, every batch of gold must undergo an official assay. Accredited laboratories like the Precious Minerals Trading Unit (PMTU) carry out these tests, certifying the exact purity of the refined gold. This certification ensures buyers know exactly what they’re purchasing, boosting trust in Sierra Leonean gold.

Security of Handling & Storage

The refined gold is then securely stored, and this is where Sierra Leone’s commitment to security shines. The Central Bank of Sierra Leone offers state-of-the-art vault facilities that meet the highest security standards. These secure vaults, located near the Presidential compound, are guarded by the Sierra Leonean military, adding an extra layer of protection to ensure the gold is handled with utmost care.

Strict security protocols include surveillance, armored transportation, and comprehensive insurance, making sure that no unauthorized individuals can access these valuable reserves. Additionally, the government ensures ownership is documented for traceability, so investors can be confident that the gold is both legitimate and secure.

Cost to Export & Market Acceptance

When it’s time to export, Sierra Leone has streamlined the process to make its gold highly competitive on the international stage. A fixed 1% export fee is required, and once all necessary paperwork is completed—such as proof of assay, export permits, and payment of duties—the gold is ready for sale on international exchanges.

Sierra Leonean gold, particularly when it meets the London Bullion Market Association standards, is highly sought after on exchanges like the London Gold Market, New York Mercantile Exchange, and the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Whether in the form of bullion or through financial products like Exchange-Traded Funds, the country’s gold finds its place in the portfolios of investors across the globe.

Thanks to its growing reputation for purity, ethical sourcing, and adherence to international standards, Sierra Leonean gold is widely accepted and priced competitively in global markets. Buyers, from individual investors to large corporations, are assured that the gold they purchase has been responsibly sourced, legally certified, and securely stored.

Last Words

From the initial exploration in Sierra Leone’s rich soils to the secure vaults guarded by military forces, every step in the gold production process is designed with transparency, security, and ethics in mind. By focusing on government certification, secure storage, and international compliance, Sierra Leone has positioned itself as a trusted source of high-quality gold on the global stage.

For investors seeking both value and ethical assurance, Sierra Leonean gold represents a reliable and secure choice in today’s competitive market.