By: Saidu Jalloh
In a landmark move for Sierra Leone’s mining sector, Mr. Suffian Kargbo, Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Rutile Limited, has officially relaunched the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines, ushering in a new era of unity, innovation, and responsible resource governance.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council and all members of the Chamber, Mr. Kargbo warmly welcomed attendees at the event, describing the occasion as a defining milestone for stakeholders across the mining industry.
“Today, we gather to reaffirm our shared belief in the importance of responsible mining and the vital role this sector plays in Sierra Leone’s economic and social development,” Mr. Kargbo stated in his keynote address.
The mining sector has long served as a cornerstone of Sierra Leone’s national revenue, infrastructure development, and livelihood support. Mr. Kargbo stressed that, with effective governance and strong collaboration, the sector can drive inclusive growth at every level of society.
“The reconstituted Chamber of Mines is now a stronger, more unified voice for the industry a platform for strategic engagement with government, regulators, civil society, host communities, and international partners,” he added.
The relaunch took place during the 2025 Sierra Leone Mining Week and Exhibition, a national platform showcasing the country’s mineral potential. Mr. Kargbo expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Mattai, for accepting the Chamber’s request to host the event as part of this year’s exhibition.
He also acknowledged the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency for their ongoing support, specifically referencing the joint meeting held on 21 March 2025, which laid the groundwork for the Chamber’s revitalization.
“Your continued support, Honourable Minister, has reaffirmed the Government’s role as a critical partner in enhancing industry coordination and transparency,” Mr. Kargbo said.
The Chamber is governed by a ten-member Council and Executive Team, with Mr. Suffian Kargbo serving as President. Other key members include Mr. Ibrahim Sorie Kamara (Vice President), Ms. Sangeetha Balasubramaniam (Treasurer), and Ms. Audrey Jones (Secretary).
In alignment with its renewed vision, the Chamber is actively engaging with both existing and potential license holders—across large-scale, small-scale, and exploration operations to represent the full breadth of Sierra Leone’s mining landscape.
“As shown in the video presentation, the reconstituted Chamber is a consortium of mining companies and related businesses—established to provide a structured platform where industry voices can be heard and addressed through constructive dialogue with relevant authorities,” Mr. Kargbo stated.
The event also featured a special presentation by Ing. Andrew Keili, who took the audience through the Chamber’s rich history, highlighting its legacy of resilience and its foundational role in shaping the mining sector.
Emphasizing the Chamber’s renewed governance structure, Mr. Kargbo stated that it is now well-positioned to serve as a catalyst for sector-wide collaboration.
“Allow me once again to express my sincere appreciation to Honourable Minister Julius Mattai, whose presence here today reflects the Government’s continued commitment to work in partnership with the mining industry for national development,” he said in closing.
In a powerful final statement, Mr. Kargbo called on all stakeholders to actively participate in the Chamber’s mission.
“As we relaunch the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines today, let us not see this as a finish line, but rather a launchpad. The real work begins now—transforming this renewed structure into meaningful, measurable results.”
The relaunch marks a pivotal step forward not only for Sierra Leone’s mining industry but for the country’s broader economic future.