Sierra Leone is still recovering from abrutal civil war (1991-2002), fuelled in part by a valuableand easily extractable natural resource (diamonds). SierraLeone now stands on the verge of an unprecedented period ofeconomic growth, driven primarily by revenues fromlarge-scale iron ore mining. Yet it continues to face manygovernance and developmental challenges. The rapid rise ofthe extractives governance agenda in Sierra Leone requiresan equally swift, yet strategic response from allstakeholders: the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL),development partners (DPs), civil society organizations(CSOs), communities, and mining companies. This report usesa 'value chain' approach to mining governancewhich highlights the critical stages through which aresource dependent country is expected to progress as itseeks to transform resource rents into economic growth andsustainable human development. The objective of this studyis ultimately to improve the management of the naturalresource endowment, enjoyed by Sierra Leone, in a mannerthat will allow the revenues generated from natural resourceextraction to contribute in an optimal manner towardssustainable economic growth. Specifically, the study focuseson mining (iron ore, diamonds, and other minerals) and to amuch lesser extent, oil and gas. By using the 'theoriesof change' approach to political economy analysis, thereport looks at the historical challenges around extractivegovernance, identifies systemic features, andcharacteristics of 'the problem', extrapolates andanalyses the incentives shaping the activities and behaviorsof key stakeholders, and then lays out a possible platformfor engagement based on clearly identified entry points.This report is organized as follows: chapter one isintroduction, chapter two presents a summary of previousanalytical work on the political economy of Sierra Leonewith special reference to the extractives sector, itsgovernance past, and possible governance futures. Chapterthree undertakes an in-depth analysis of the extractivesvalue chain in Sierra Leone and chapter four identifies keystakeholders across this value chain, noting their influenceon extractives management policy and implementation, theirpotential relationships with other stakeholders, andinfluence over policy outcomes. Chapter five identifies andhighlights suitable entry points for policy dialogue onextractives-led governance in Sierra Leone and possibleproject and technical assistance interventions across thevalue chain.
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