By: Mohamed Sahr
Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the responsible, transparent, and sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources during a press conference held on Tuesday, 19th May 2026, at the prestigious Bintumani Conference Hall in Freetown.
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources officially briefed journalists on the upcoming Mining Week 2026. The event will bring together government officials, mining companies, investors, civil society organizations, and community leaders to outline the agenda for the mining sector over the coming year.
This year’s Mining Week is themed: “Responsible Mining for National Growth and Local Prosperity.” Discussions during the week will focus on investment opportunities, local content development, environmental compliance, and revenue transparency. The government reaffirmed that while Sierra Leone remains open to investment, all new mining agreements must prioritize value addition, job creation, and community development.
Addressing journalists during the briefing, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the responsible, transparent, and sustainable management of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources.
He emphasized that the country’s mineral wealth belongs to its citizens and must be managed effectively to promote national development, community empowerment, and economic transformation. The Minister highlighted ongoing plans to strengthen regulation, attract responsible investment, and promote value addition within the mining sector through inclusive engagement with government institutions, mining companies, investors, development partners, researchers, and local communities.
Minister Mattai also underscored the importance of regional and international cooperation, including partnerships with other African countries and global institutions such as the World Bank.
He further disclosed that Mining Week 2026 will feature exhibitions, panel discussions, and research presentations focusing on innovation, technology, and mineral exploration. Special attention will also be given to issues relating to women in mining, community development, environmental protection, and local content participation.
Reaffirming the government’s position on responsible mining and mineral processing, including lithium extraction, Minister Mattai stated that the country’s objective is to maximize national benefits while ensuring sustainable growth.
“The goal is not just to extract minerals, but to ensure Sierra Leoneans benefit at every stage,” he said.