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Sierra Leone officially commenced its first-ever Mining Week with a prestigious dinner hosted by Marampa Mines SL Limited at the Tokeh Resort on Monday evening, April 7, 2025.
The event brought together government officials, delegates from 19 countries, and members of the African Diamond Producers Association.
The gathering served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, emphasizing Sierra Leone’s ambition to become a key destination for sustainable mining investment in Africa. Discussions among stakeholders from the Ministry of Mines, the National Minerals Agency (NMA), and international partners focused on the country’s rich mineral resources and its potential for responsible mining ventures.
Julius Daniel Mattai, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, commended Craig Dean, CEO of Gerald Group Sierra Leone, for organizing the event. He highlighted the economic significance of diamonds and iron ore, noting that iron ore accounts for approximately 70% of Sierra Leone’s total exports, with Marampa Mines Limited being the second-largest exporter in the previous year. The Minister also praised Marampa Mines’ $3.7 million contribution to local community development.
Minister Mattai expressed optimism about Sierra Leone’s investment climate and the potential for the African Diamond Producers Association meeting to foster regional cooperation within the diamond sector, while acknowledging challenges such as illegal mining. He noted the relative stability of the iron ore sector.
Craig Dean, Chairman and CEO of Gerald Group, expressed pride in Marampa Mines’ decade-long presence in Sierra Leone and emphasized the importance of partnerships and community engagement. He highlighted the company’s recent investment in a new head office in Marampa and reiterated their commitment to producing premium-grade iron ore.
Ambassador Sahr Johnny, Chairman of the Mineral Advisory Board, reflected on Sierra Leone’s diamond heritage and expressed hope that Mining Week would catalyze growth in the diamond industry.
Aminata Kamara, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Marampa Mines, underscored the dinner’s significance in expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Mines and the NMA. She highlighted the event’s role in setting the stage for Sierra Leone Mining Week, which officially began on April 8, 2025, and expressed hope it could become a prominent platform for global mining stakeholders. Kamara also noted Marampa Mines’ commitment to local employment, with 91% of its workforce being Sierra Leoneans.
The week-long Mining Week will continue with a cocktail reception scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025. The inaugural event underscores Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote sustainable mining, attract investment, and foster regional development.
