SLCAA Inspects FG Gold’s DJI Matrice 400 RTK Drone at Baomahun

The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has inspected and observed a demonstration of FG Gold’s new DJI Matrice 400 RTK drone at the Baomahun mining site, as the company advances the regulatory process for planned operations at the project.

The inspection took place on Monday, 5 October 2026, and was part of the Authority’s safety oversight and regulatory compliance work for unmanned aircraft operations in Sierra Leone.

Inspection and demonstration

An SLCAA officer observed a practical demonstration of the drone at the mining site. During the visit, FG Gold’s surveying team introduced the DJI Matrice 400 RTK and outlined equipment fitted to the aircraft, including an H30T camera and a DJI V1 loudspeaker.

Information presented during the inspection indicated that FG Gold intends to use the drone for surveying and other operational activities across the FG Gold Project. The camera system is expected to support aerial surveying and site monitoring, while the loudspeaker could be used in areas such as blast monitoring and emergency response.

The inspection represents an important stage in the company’s approval process to operate the drone at its mining site. The source report does not indicate that final regulatory approval had been granted.

SLCAA oversight

Musayeroh Barrie, the SLCAA Director General, said the exercise formed part of the Authority’s continuing responsibilities for aviation safety and regulatory oversight.

“As part of our safety oversight activities, our ATR officer recently visited FG Gold Mines in Baomahun for an inspection and demonstration of its new DJI Matrice 400 drone, as part of the Authority’s regulatory oversight, safety and compliance processes,” Barrie said.

The SLCAA is responsible for regulating unmanned aircraft systems, commonly known as drones, in Sierra Leone. Companies, organisations and individuals seeking to operate drones must obtain appropriate authorization from the Authority before beginning operations.

The Authority’s regulatory framework is intended to ensure that drone activities are conducted safely, legally and in line with national aviation regulations. The SLCAA has also encouraged operators to use the technology responsibly and comply with applicable aviation laws and established safety requirements.

The inspection comes as drone technology sees increasing adoption in Sierra Leone’s mining industry for activities including surveying, monitoring, safety management and emergency response.