In a major affirmation of national expertise and African leadership in global mineral governance, Sierra Leone’s Director of Mines, Mr. Peter Kapr Bangura, has been elected Vice Chair of the Executive Committee of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF).
The confirmation was made today at the IGF Annual General Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where Mr. Bangura secured an impressive 78% of the votes from member states across the Anglophone Africa region — defeating strong contenders from South Africa, Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, Kenya, and Mozambique. His election underscores Sierra Leone’s growing reputation as a key voice in shaping the global mining agenda.
Mr. Bangura combines technical excellence with policy acumen. He holds an MSc in Mining Engineering (Distinction) from the Camborne School of Mines and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government.
With over a decade of experience as Sierra Leone’s Director of Mines, he has demonstrated leadership in regulating the sector, promoting transparency, and balancing investment with sustainability. A longstanding IGF contributor since 2016, he has championed capacity-building programs and knowledge exchange across member states.
The IGF, established under the United Nations in 2005, brings together more than 80 member countries to ensure that mineral resources contribute effectively to sustainable development. Sierra Leone’s representation at this leadership level offers a direct platform to influence global policies on critical minerals, local content, and resource governance.
For the Government of Sierra Leone, this marks a vote of confidence in its mining reforms under Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Mattai, and aligns with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s vision for a transparent and inclusive minerals sector.
Mr. Bangura’s election is not only a national triumph but a continental milestone. It amplifies Africa’s voice in global mining policy and strengthens the continent’s drive to transform its vast mineral wealth into long-term development benefits.
As Vice Chair, Mr. Bangura has pledged to leverage his experience to promote policies that ensure mining serves as a true catalyst for sustainable and equitable growth across resource-rich nations.
