By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s inaugural Mining Week officially kicked off with a prestigious dinner hosted by Marampa Mines SL Limited at the Tokeh Resort on the evening of Monday, April 7, 2025. The gathering, which attracted Government officials, delegates from 19 countries and members of the African Diamond Producers Association, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s burgeoning mining sector.
The high-profile event provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration, positioning Sierra Leone as a key player in responsible and impactful mining investment across Africa.
The evening was both a welcome to international guests and a forum for important discussions among stakeholders from the Ministry of Mines, the National Minerals Agency (NMA) and global partners. These conversations highlighted the country’s ambition to become a top destination for sustainable mining ventures, building on the foundations of its rich mineral resources.
Julius Daniel Mattai, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, delivered an impassioned address commending Craig Dean, the CEO of Gerald Group Sierra Leone, for orchestrating the event. Reflecting on his participation in similar international fora in Zimbabwe and Botswana, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of diamonds and iron ore to Sierra Leone’s economy.
He pointed out that iron ore alone accounts for nearly 70% of the nation’s total exports, with Marampa Mines Limited (MML) being the second-largest exporter of the mineral last year. The Minister further praised the company’s positive impact on local communities, noting that MML had contributed over $3.7 million in development fund payments.
Mattai also expressed confidence in Sierra Leone’s welcoming investment climate and highlighted the potential for the African Diamond Producers Association meeting to encourage regional cooperation, despite the ongoing challenges faced by the sector. In particular, he stressed the need to address issues within the diamond industry, particularly illegal mining, while noting the relative stability in the iron ore sector.
Craig Dean, Chairman and CEO of Gerald Group, took the stage to express his pride in Marampa Mines’ achievements and its decade-long presence in Sierra Leone. With deep appreciation for the peaceful nature of the country’s people and the unwavering support from the Government, Craig Dean emphasized the critical importance of strong partnerships and community engagement. He spoke warmly of the company’s recent investment in a state-of-the-art head office in Marampa and reiterated Marampa Mine’s continued commitment to producing premium-grade iron ore.
Dean further highlighted the symbolic significance of hosting the event at Tokeh, a location known for its beauty and hospitality, reflecting the shared vision of unity and future growth. “Sierra Leone feels like a second home,” he said. “We believe in the potential of this country and we remain committed to growing with it.”
Ambassador Sahr Johnny, Chairman of the Mineral Advisory Board, took a moment to reflect on Sierra Leone’s rich diamond heritage, drawing attention to iconic discoveries like the Star of Sierra Leone and the Peace Diamond. He acknowledged the pivotal role diamonds have played in the country’s development, especially through training programs that have empowered local artisans. However, he also noted the challenges following the nationalization of the mining sector in the 1970s. Looking ahead, Ambassador Sahr Johnny expressed hope that events like the Mining Week would serve as catalysts for revitalized growth and development within the diamond industry, thanking Marampa Mines for hosting the dinner and fostering deeper ties among African diamond-producing nations.
Aminata Kamara, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Marampa Mines, emphasized the dinner’s significance as a heartfelt gesture of gratitude toward the Ministry of Mines and the NMA. She underscored the importance of the event in setting the tone for Sierra Leone Mining Week, which officially began on the 8 April 2025. Drawing comparisons to the renowned Indaba mining conference, Aminata Kamara expressed hope that Sierra Leone’s Mining Week could evolve into a similarly influential platform for global stakeholders in the mining sector.
“This is more than a dinner,” Aminata Kamara stated. “It’s a statement about who we are and what we believe in as a company and a country.” She further highlighted Marampa Mines’ commitment to local employment and community development, with approximately 91% of the workforce being Sierra Leoneans, many from the nearby town of Lunsar. The company currently employs around 3,000 individuals directly and supports an additional 4,000 jobs indirectly.
As guests relished the evening’s ambiance at Tokeh Resort, the event symbolized a renewed vision for inclusive growth, responsible mining and international cooperation.
The week-long series of engagements will continue with a scheduled cocktail reception on Thursday, April 10, 2025, providing further opportunities for meaningful conversations among mining stakeholders and policy leaders. With the launch of Sierra Leone’s first Mining Week, these gatherings highlight the nation’s readiness to spearhead global discussions on sustainable mining, investment and regional development. The momentum created by the inaugural event sets a promising stage for what could become a landmark annual gathering in Africa’s mining calendar.
