By Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 19th May, 2026 – The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s vast mineral resources are managed responsibly and transparently to deliver long-term economic growth, community development and shared national prosperity.
Speaking during the official press conference ahead of Sierra Leone Mining Week at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Julius Daniel Mattai stressed that the nation’s mineral wealth belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and must be carefully managed to create sustainable benefits for present and future generations.
The press conference, organized by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the National Minerals Agency, was held under the theme: “Our Mineral Resources: Responsible Mining, Value Multiplication and Shared Prosperity.”
Addressing journalists and stakeholders, Minister Mattai described the mining sector as one of Sierra Leone’s most strategic economic pillars, emphasizing that Government remains focused on building a mining industry that is accountable, environmentally responsible and beneficial to citizens across the country.
He noted that mineral resources are national assets held in trust for the people and therefore require strong governance, effective regulation and transparent management to ensure that revenues generated from mining activities contribute meaningfully to national development.
The minister said the government is determined to strengthen policies and regulatory frameworks that will improve accountability within the sector while also creating a more attractive environment for responsible investment. He said efforts are ongoing to promote value addition and mineral processing within Sierra Leone rather than relying solely on the export of raw minerals
Mattai explained that increasing local value addition would not only boost national revenue but also create employment opportunities, enhance local participation and contribute to industrial growth. He stressed that Sierra Leone must move beyond simply extracting minerals and instead focus on maximizing the full economic value of its natural resources.
He further emphasized the importance of inclusive engagement among all stakeholders in the mining sector, including government institutions, mining companies, investors, researchers, civil society organizations, development partners and local communities.
The minister noted that collaboration remains essential in addressing challenges within the sector and ensuring that mining activities contribute positively to the livelihoods of citizens, particularly those living in mining communities.
Highlighting the significance of regional and international partnerships in strengthening Sierra Leone’s mining industry, Mattai mentioned ongoing cooperation with African countries and global institutions, including the World Bank, in areas such as policy support, technical assistance, innovation and sustainable mining practices.
Sierra Leone Mining Week will serve as an important platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and investment promotion within the extractive sector, he said. The event is expected to feature exhibitions, panel discussions and research presentations focusing on innovation, technology, mineral exploration and sustainable mining development.
The discussions will also explore critical issues affecting the sector, including environmental protection, community development, local content promotion and the role of women in mining, he said.
Mattai underscored government’s commitment to increasing women’s participation in the mining industry, noting that greater inclusion is necessary for equitable growth and sustainable development, adding that empowering women and supporting local communities remain central to government’s broader vision for responsible mining.
The minister said environmental sustainability also remains a key priority as government continues to advocate for mining practices that protect ecosystems and reduce environmental degradation. He stressed the need for mining companies to operate responsibly and comply with environmental standards to safeguard communities and natural resources.
The minister further reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s interest in expanding mineral processing and exploration, particularly in emerging sectors such as lithium mining, which has become increasingly important globally due to growing demand for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicle production.
He said responsible lithium mining and mineral processing present significant opportunities for Sierra Leone to increase national earnings, attract investment and position itself competitively within the global minerals market.
He maintained that Sierra Leone’s mining sector must ultimately serve the interests of the people by contributing to national progress, improving livelihoods and supporting long-term economic transformation.
Mattai concluded by reiterating Government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth translates into real benefits for citizens through responsible governance, economic inclusion and sustainable development.
The event brought together government officials, mining stakeholders, development partners, members of the media and industry experts to discuss the future direction of Sierra Leone’s mining sector and the role it can play in driving national transformation.
