Section 84, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) Any person who wishes to carry out artisanal miningoperations shall apply for an artisanal mining licence. (2) An artisanal licence shall be granted to- (a) an individual person who is a citizen of Sierra (b) a co-operative society registered in Sierra Leone comprising citizens of Sierra Leone exclusively; (c) a joint-venture or partnership registered in Sierra Leone comprising citizens of Sierra Leone exclusively; or (d) a body corporate that is incorporated or registered in Sierra Leone having one hundred percent of its shares held by citizens of Sierra Leone. (3) All such co-operatives and partnerships shall register with the Director and shall provide such documentation as the Director may require.