Mines Minister Pushes for Greater Investment in Sierra Leone’s Mineral Sector
Alusine Ahmed Kargbo Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, has called for increased Russian investment and technical cooperation to strengthen geological exploration, mineral processing and skills development in the country’s mining sector.
He made the call while addressing the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on October 28, 2026, where he highlighted opportunities for collaboration between Sierra Leone and Russia to unlock the country’s mineral potential and promote sustainable economic growth.
Minister Mattai said Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth alone would not guarantee economic prosperity, stressing the need for improved geological knowledge, effective governance, modern technology and a skilled workforce to maximise the benefits of the country’s natural resources.
He noted that Sierra Leone has significant deposits of iron ore and diamonds, alongside promising discoveries of critical minerals, including lithium, with potential prospects for cobalt, nickel and coltan. He said further geological surveys, drilling and modern geophysical investigations would be necessary to establish the commercial potential of these resources.
The Minister also emphasised the importance of moving beyond the export of raw minerals towards local processing, refining and, where possible, manufacturing. He said such a transition would create employment opportunities, strengthen domestic industries and ensure that a greater share of the value generated from mineral resources remains within the country.
He identified reliable energy supply, improved road and port infrastructure, and a transparent and predictable regulatory framework as essential conditions for attracting investment and developing the mining industry. He also disclosed that the government is reviewing the country’s mining legislation to improve the sector’s investment environment and strengthen accountability in the management of mining revenues.
On technical cooperation, Minister Mattai proposed partnerships with Russian universities and institutions in areas including scholarships, staff exchanges, laboratory development, technical training and the use of artificial intelligence in geological modelling. He also identified energy as another potential area of bilateral cooperation.
Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to exploring partnerships that support the development of its mineral resources, Minister Mattai said the country’s priority was to look beneath the surface and develop its natural resources for the benefit of its people.
“We are not looking East. We are not looking West. We are not looking North or South. We are looking downward into the ground,” he said.