Sierra Leone advocates for Mineral Value Addition at Russia-Africa Summit

Korovy Val, Russia, October 30, 2026 Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, has called for a fundamental transformation of Africa's mining sector, urging countries across the continent to move beyond the export of raw minerals and embrace full value-chain development as a pathway to sustainable prosperity.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the Third Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on the theme, “From Extraction to Prosperity: Subsoil Resources as the Bedrock of National Well-Being,” the minister argued that Africa's vast mineral wealth can only translate into lasting economic benefits if countries invest in knowledge, governance, processing and industrialization.

Reflecting on his personal journey, Mr. Mattai recalled arriving in Russia four decades ago as a young geology student.

“Forty years on, I'm sitting here as a Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, thanks to the cooperation we had with the former Soviet Union and, of course, currently with the Russian Federation,” he said.

Using his own story to illustrate the summit's theme, he told delegates: “In front of you, you have a prosperous young man sitting; representing my country and fronting her mineral sector .”

The minister emphasized that mineral endowment alone does not guarantee prosperity.

“In mining, the market sits at the far end. First you have to get the mine, you have the manpower, you have to manage them, you have to have the market before you get the money. And that money can translate to prosperity,” he explained.

Mr. Mattai stressed that geology by itself is only potential and not wealth.

“Geology itself doesn't give you money. Geology is just a potential. It's only when you bring knowledge, governance, and your understanding of that geology before you get what you call prosperity,” he said.

Describing Sierra Leone as a small country endowed with significant mineral resources, the minister noted that it sits on the same geological formation that extends across Guinea, Mali, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia, with similar formations found in Central Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

“But you ask yourself, will this not be an endowment? Is it really benefiting us? And if so, how? And if not, why?” he asked.

He cited countries such as Canada, Australia and Russia as examples of nations that have successfully leveraged their geological resources to drive national development and improve living standards.

Mr. Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone's vast mineral potential, noting that the country possesses one of the largest iron ore deposits in West Africa. He also revealed that Sierra Leone has recently identified critical minerals, including lithium, with the country's first lithium mine currently under construction, alongside promising prospects for cobalt, nickel and coltan.

The minister also highlighted the nationwide airborne geophysical survey, which uses radiometric and magnetic technologies to generate geophysical, geochemical and geological datasets, as well as topographical and infrastructure information aimed at reducing exploration risks for investors.

However, the Minister stressed: “Endowment alone is not enough. We need knowledge to tap into it,” he said.

The minister disclosed that Sierra Leone signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Zarubezhgeologia, a subsidiary of Rosgeo, in June 2024 to undertake a comprehensive inventory of the country's mineral resources and deepen understanding of its geology.

He explained that although a nationwide airborne geophysical survey has already identified numerous mineral anomalies, more work remains to be done.

“Anomalies alone are not enough. You have to drill, and it's only by drilling you'll be able to convert those anomalies to resources, to reserves and then you can use that to build a mine,” he said.

According to Mr. Mattai, Sierra Leone is now pursuing a different approach to mining development, moving away from the traditional model of exporting raw materials and importing finished products. He said this practice has historically contributed to dependency and limited economic gains for resource-rich countries.

Instead, the government is promoting development across the entire mining value chain, including extraction, processing, beneficiation, smelting, refining, fabrication and manufacturing.

To attract investment, he said the government has reviewed the Mines and Minerals Development Act in order to improve transparency and create a stable legal and fiscal framework.

“Investors are not scared of higher standards. It's when you keep changing the rules as time goes on,” he said.

He added that Sierra Leone now offers a predictable and stable investment environment, supported by fiscal stabilization provisions designed to reduce investor risk, particularly in a sector characterized by high capital costs and long payback periods.

Mr. Mattai further stressed that mineral beneficiation and industrialization cannot succeed without adequate infrastructure, particularly in the energy sector.

“No amount of beneficiation, no amount of processing, no amount of fabrication is going to take place if you don't have energy,” he said.

He noted that the government is working to strengthen supporting infrastructure, including power supply, roads and port facilities, while also emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the management of mining revenues.

Among those present in the audience were Ambassador Col. (Rtd.) Alhaji Fanday Turay, Esq., Minister of Transport and Aviation; Mohamed Yongawo, Sierra Leone's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation; Ing. Dabo Hadji, Chairman of the National Minerals Agency; Ing. Francis Nyama, Deputy Director General of EDSA; Sahr Nepor, Corporate Secretary of EDSA; Timbo Alusine, Deputy Director of Mines at the National Minerals Agency; and Deen Henry Masala Chukuameka, Deputy Director of Geological Survey at the National Minerals Agency. Senior officials from EDSA, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Finance, the National Minerals Agency and staff of Sierra Leone's Embassy in Russia also attended the event.

For inquiries:

Festus J. Lahai

Information Attaché

Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone

Moscow, Russian Federation