Section 2, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) All rights of ownership in and control of minerals in,under or upon any land in Sierra Leone and its continental shelf are vested in the Republic not withstanding any right of ownership or otherwise that any person may possess in and to the soil on, in or under which minerals are found or situated. (2) The Minister shall ensure in the public interest that the mineral resources of Sierra Leone are investigated and exploited in the most efficient effective and timely manner. PART III – ADMINISTRATION