Every lawful gold or diamond export from Sierra Leone passes through two government bodies: the National Minerals Agency (NMA), which licenses miners, dealers and exporters, and the Precious Minerals Trading (PMT/GGDO), which values the minerals, assesses the royalty and seals the consignment. Multipro works with NMA licence and takes every lot through the PMT/GGDO. This guide explains the licensing chain so that you can recognise a lawful export and, just as important, an unlawful offer. It is a general guide; confirm current rules and fees with the NMA.
The licensing chain
| Licence | Issued by | Who holds it | What it allows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artisanal mining licence | NMA | Sierra Leonean citizens and cooperatives | Mining with hand tools on a small plot |
| Small-scale mining licence | NMA | Companies, mostly Sierra Leonean-owned | Mechanised mining on a larger area |
| Large-scale mining licence | NMA / Ministry | Mining companies | Industrial operations |
| Dealer licence | NMA | Licensed buyers in the mining districts | Buying from miners and selling to exporters |
| Exporter licence | NMA | Registered Sierra Leonean companies | Exporting gold or diamonds after PMT/GGDO valuation |
What happens at export
- Origin. The exporter records which licensed miner or dealer the lot came from.
- PMT/GGDO valuation. Weight, fineness and value are certified; for diamonds each parcel is valued and sealed.
- Royalty. Assessed on the PMT/GGDO valuation and paid to the National Revenue Authority.
- Export permit. Issued for the valued consignment.
- Kimberley Process certificate. For rough diamonds, issued by the PMT/GGDO for the sealed parcel.
- Customs. Export declaration at Lungi International Airport, then the insured flight.
Three routes for a foreign buyer
| Route | What it involves | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Export through a licensed exporter | The exporter sources or receives the gold, handles PMT/GGDO, royalty, permit and shipping. Buyer verifies the exporter and settles on agreed terms. | Almost every buyer; fastest and cleanest |
| Set up a Sierra Leonean company and apply for an exporter licence | Incorporation, local presence, NMA application, fees and renewals; months of processing. | Buyers planning sustained volume from Sierra Leone |
| Carry it yourself | Not lawful without PMT/GGDO valuation, permit and royalty; seizure risk. | No one |
How to recognise an unlawful offer
- "We can ship without PMT/GGDO" or "without Kimberley certificate".
- A licence shown as a photograph that the seller will not let you verify with the NMA.
- A "security company" or "bank" in another country holding the gold "already exported", for a fee.
- Any request to pay taxes, fees or royalties to a private individual's account.
Exporting through Multipro
We carry the licence and the compliance so that you do not have to. Sourcing from licensed miners, PMT/GGDO valuation, royalty and permit, vault custody, customs and insured air freight are all handled by one company that you can visit at 72 Jumu Avenue, Freetown. See gold export from Sierra Leone and why buyers choose Multipro as their exporter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to buy gold in Sierra Leone?
To buy and export yourself, yes: a dealer or exporter licence from the National Minerals Agency, which requires a Sierra Leonean company and takes time. Most foreign buyers instead purchase and export through a licensed exporter such as Multipro, which carries the licence and the compliance.
Who issues gold export licences in Sierra Leone?
The National Minerals Agency (NMA), under the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources. Valuation of gold and diamonds for export is done by the Precious Minerals Trading (PMT/GGDO).
What is the PMT/GGDO?
The Precious Minerals Trading (PMT/GGDO) in Freetown. It values gold and diamonds for export, assesses the royalty, seals parcels and issues Kimberley Process certificates for rough diamonds.
Can I carry gold out of Sierra Leone in my luggage?
Not lawfully without PMT/GGDO valuation, an export permit and payment of the royalty. Gold found without export documents is liable to seizure.
Does Multipro publish its licence number?
We work with NMA licence and will share licensing and registration details with verified buyers during due diligence, so that you can confirm them with the authorities directly.
Gold and diamond guides
Buy gold in Sierra Leone Gold exporter in Sierra Leone Diamonds from Sierra Leone Sierra Leone gold price How to buy gold safely
Related services
Gold purchase service Gold export and shipping Vault storage and SKR Collateral management Due diligence