By: Yusuf Ibrahim Kamara (The Wise Thinker)
Sierra Leone has renewed its call for a more equitable and sustainable global minerals industry, with Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius D. Mattai using an international platform in Russia to promote the country’s mining agenda and investment opportunities.
Addressing delegates at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Minister Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone’s commitment to responsible mineral governance, value addition, and strategic international partnerships aimed at accelerating economic transformation.
The high-level discussion, held under the theme “Rare and Strategic: Sovereignty and International Cooperation in the Field of Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals,” brought together government officials, industry leaders, and policy experts from across the world to discuss the growing significance of critical minerals in powering global industrial development, technological innovation, and the transition to cleaner energy systems.
Speaking as a panelist during the session, Minister Mattai emphasized that Sierra Leone is determined to ensure that its vast mineral resources generate lasting benefits for its citizens. He noted that the government’s mining policy is increasingly focused on promoting local content participation, strengthening skills development, encouraging technology transfer, and expanding value-addition opportunities within the country.
According to the minister, Sierra Leone’s vision goes beyond the traditional export of raw minerals. Instead, the government is actively pursuing policies that support industrialisation, local processing, and downstream mineral development, creating greater economic value and employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
He further reaffirmed the country’s readiness to engage with international investors and development partners through mutually beneficial arrangements that respect national sovereignty while fostering innovation and economic growth. Such partnerships, he stressed, should prioritize local ownership, joint ventures, and knowledge sharing rather than perpetuating dependency.
Minister Mattai observed that critical minerals have become central to the future of global energy security and advanced technologies, making international collaboration increasingly important. However, he maintained that producer nations must retain the right to determine how their natural resources are developed and utilized for national progress.
Throughout the forum, participants examined a range of issues affecting the global minerals sector, including supply chain resilience, responsible sourcing standards, technological advancement in mineral extraction, and the balance between national interests and international cooperation.
Using the occasion to advocate for greater support for African mining economies, Mattai called for increased investment in geological research, mining infrastructure, human capital development, and mineral processing facilities across the continent. He argued that such investments are essential for enabling African countries to move higher up the global minerals value chain and capture a larger share of the benefits derived from their natural resources.
The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held from June 3 to June 6, 2026, is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading platforms for international economic dialogue and cooperation. The annual gathering attracts policymakers, business executives, investors, and development experts from numerous countries.
Sierra Leone’s delegation to the forum was led by Minister Mattai and included the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, the Director General of the National Minerals Agency, the Director of Policy and Research, the Director of Geological Surveys, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency.
The country’s participation at SPIEF 2026 reflects ongoing efforts to position Sierra Leone as a competitive and responsible destination for mining investment while advancing policies designed to ensure that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to long-term economic development and national prosperity.