By Ibrahim John Sesay
Sierra Leone marked a historic milestone in its mining sector as it hosted the inaugural Sierra Leone Mining Week 2025 alongside the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) at the Freetown International Conference Centre.
The high-profile event brought together key stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, including His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, members of Parliament, government ministers, diplomatic envoys, private sector leaders, civil society representatives, and international observers.
As Host and Incoming Chairman of ADPA, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Mr. Julius Daniel Mattai, delivered the keynote address, welcoming delegations from ADPA member states and observer nations. Drawing a parallel between the nation’s people and its mineral wealth, he praised the resilience, brilliance, and ingenuity of Sierra Leoneans—qualities he likened to the diamonds embedded in the country’s soil.
“Sierra Leone has refused to let its legacy be defined by conflict,” Minister Mattai declared. “Today, we are reshaping our mining sector into an engine of sustainable growth and shared prosperity.”
Under the theme “Sustainable Mining and Shared Benefits: Bringing Sierra Leone’s Mineral Wealth to Its People,” the week-long conference spotlighted strategies to ensure that the nation’s resources drive economic development, improve livelihoods, and remain safeguarded for future generations.
“Natural resources are not infinite,” the Minister cautioned. “If we fail to act responsibly today, we risk leaving behind barren lands instead of prosperity for our children.”
To avoid the “resource curse” that has hindered many mineral-rich nations, Minister Mattai emphasized the need for strict regulation, transparent governance, technological innovation, and inclusive revenue-sharing models.
He lauded President Bio’s transformative leadership in advancing policy reforms, legislative improvements, and governance frameworks that have enhanced transparency and sectoral growth.
Recognizing the contributions of the outgoing ADPA Chairman, Honourable Winston Chitando of Zimbabwe, Minister Mattai commended his efforts in advancing ADPA’s strategic vision and pledged to build on this legacy as the incoming Chair.
Positioning Sierra Leone as a rising star in Africa’s mining landscape, the Minister highlighted the country’s investor-friendly regulatory framework, designed to attract sustainable investments while ensuring mineral wealth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.
Addressing pressing challenges—such as the G7 Diamond Protocol and the rise of lab-grown diamonds — Minister Mattai urged African diamond producers to strengthen their collective voice, embrace innovation, and adopt unified strategies to remain competitive in the global market.
In his closing remarks, he called for greater unity among African nations, deeper collaboration within ADPA, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable mining practices.
“We are not just investing in minerals—we are investing in people, in their dreams, and in their future,” he affirmed. “Together, let us make history.”
