Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Daniel Mattai, has called on Russia to expand cooperation in geological exploration, mineral processing and skills development, as the country seeks to maximise the benefits of its mineral resources.
Addressing the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on 28 October 2026, Minister Mattai stressed that mineral wealth alone does not guarantee prosperity. He said nations also need solid geological knowledge, strong governance, modern technology and a skilled workforce to turn resources into lasting national development.
Sierra Leone already produces iron ore and diamonds and has recently identified promising deposits of critical minerals, including lithium, with further potential for cobalt, nickel and coltan.
The immediate priority, the Minister said, is to convert early indications into properly assessed resources through systematic surveys, drilling and modern geophysical work, supported by accessible geological data.
Looking ahead, Mr Mattai outlined a vision of Sierra Leone moving beyond the export of raw minerals to processing, refining and, where possible, manufacturing. This shift, he argued, would create more jobs and ensure a greater share of the value remains in the country.
To achieve this, he highlighted the need for reliable energy supply, improved roads and port infrastructure, as well as a transparent and predictable legal and fiscal framework. The government is currently reviewing its mining legislation to support this goal, he noted, while also emphasising the importance of open and accountable management of mining revenues.
The Minister proposed practical cooperation with Russian universities and institutions in the form of scholarships, staff exchanges, laboratory support, technical training and the use of artificial intelligence for geological modelling. Energy partnership was also identified as another promising area for collaboration.
In a pointed remark that underscored Sierra Leone’s independent approach, Minister Mattai declared: “We are not looking East. We are not looking West. We are not looking North or South. We are looking downward into the ground.”
The statement signals Freetown’s determination to pursue partnerships that deliver tangible benefits in knowledge, technology and value addition for Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
