Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, met with a delegation from Qatari investment firm Thirty-Five Group Ltd. on Thursday at the National Minerals Agency (NMA) headquarters in Freetown.

The discussions focused on investment opportunities within the country’s mineral sector, aiming to bolster sustainable growth and economic development.

Minister Mattai welcomed the investors, stating their presence underscored Sierra Leone’s increasing appeal as a significant player in the global mining industry. He highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainable and responsible resource management, with a focus on transitioning to value-added activities, such as local mineral processing.

“We are committed to fostering local processing facilities, developing a skilled workforce, encouraging public-private partnerships, and implementing favorable tax policies,” said Minister Mattai. He emphasized that such measures aim to create jobs, improve local capacity, and ensure that the benefits of the country’s mineral wealth are widely shared across society.

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The Minister also assured the delegation of the government’s dedication to strengthening governance and geoscientific capabilities, essential for advancing the sector. “Your expertise aligns with our vision of innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth,” he added.

Responding to the Minister’s remarks, Mr. Ahmed bin Khalid, a representative of the Thirty-Five Group Ltd., expressed strong interest in Sierra Leone’s mining potential. He praised the government’s forward-looking policies and commitment to sustainable development.

“We see immense potential not only in resource extraction but also in contributing to the development of Sierra Leone’s local economy,” said Mr. Khalid. He assured the government that Thirty-Five Group Ltd. is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships and aligning its investment strategy with the country’s goals of value addition and capacity building.