MINING CADASTRE SYSTEMS

A Mining Cadastre is the cornerstone of a secure mineral rights system and records the geographical location, ownership and time validity of mining rights, and for compliance with the payment of fees and/or other requirements to keep a concession valid. Security of tenure is very important both to large and small scale mining operations both to ensure a return on investment over the life of a mine and to avoid legal disputes over ownership.

Successful implementation of a modern mining cadastre requires the development of a database of mining licenses with their status, location, ownership, fees and dues paid, and other relevant information. Modern tools, such as specifically adapted Geographical Information Systems (GIS), are used to provide a legally valid mapping system and a Global Positioning System (GPS) used to locate corner points of concessions.

The Mining Cadastre System in Sierra Leone
As a first step in implementing the cadastre system for mining in Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Mineral Resources has introduced a computerized cadastre system for artisanal mining activity in Kono. It plans to expand this system to other parts of the country, for which training on the new system is currently being delivered in Bo and Kenema districts.