The Sierra Leone Mining Week 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the African Development Partnership Alliance (ADPA), brought together a diverse array of sponsors, including Leone Rock Metal, Maranpa Mines, CTC Mining Company, Sierra Rutile LTD, Integems LTD, FG Gold, Roy Global LTD, Salus LTD, and several financial institutions such as Sierra Leone Commercial Bank and Ecobank.
In a keynote address, Hon. Julius Daniel Mattia, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, welcomed participants to a panel discussion centered on the theme, “The Role of Critical Minerals in Shaping Sierra Leone’s Future and Economic Development.” He emphasized the importance of taking bold steps to harness the potential of the mining sector.
Minister Mattia described critical minerals as essential for advancing electric vehicle technology and supporting the global energy transition. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s rich deposits of minerals like rutile and iron ore, which significantly contribute to the nation’s export revenue. However, he cautioned that while these minerals are crucial globally, local needs and developmental challenges must also be addressed.
He pointed out that the global demand for critical minerals has led to increased political tensions, particularly with countries like China, which are securing strategic partnerships for resource access. Mattia stressed the importance of aligning foreign investments with local priorities to ensure sustainable development.
The Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by corruption and governance issues but reiterated the need for a framework that promotes transparency and equitable resource management. He urged participants to focus on three critical outcomes during the discussions: defining critical minerals, developing strategic processes, and formulating policy recommendations for sustainable governance.
In closing, Mattia reminded his colleagues, especially those at the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, of their responsibility to safeguard national interests and foster partnerships with investors. He concluded with a poignant metaphor: “Mining in critical minerals is like a marriage; if you don’t enter deep, you will never find that treasure of happiness.”
