George M. O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone – April 10, 2025: His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially inaugurated the Sierra Leone Mining Week at the Bintumani Conference Center in Freetown. The event, intended to foster collaboration, transparency, and knowledge sharing, aims to enhance the mining sector and its contributions to national development.
The week-long event, which commenced on Tuesday, also hosted the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA). During the meeting, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, was elected as the new Chairman of ADPA, marking a significant milestone for the country.
In his keynote address, President Bio acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the mining industry, including illicit trade, smuggling, and limited market collaboration. He emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure African nations fully benefit from their mineral wealth.
Highlighting the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2022, President Bio outlined its provisions for exploration and mining development, emphasizing its focus on delivering socio-economic benefits, promoting transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship. “These measures are geared towards helping the mining sector become a driver of sustainable development, ensuring that resources are managed with hope, prudence, and recognition,” he stated.
President Bio also stressed the need to empower local mining communities by providing essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, healthcare, and reliable power and water supply systems. He underscored that Africa’s vast mineral wealth must translate into tangible development that uplifts the lives of its people.
Regarding the ADPA meeting, President Bio noted that the Mining Week aligns with ADPA’s four pillars: fostering cooperation among member states, adopting harmonized legal frameworks, promoting mutual technical assistance, and transforming diamonds into symbols of peace and sustainable development.
Outgoing ADPA Chairman Winston Chitando highlighted the significance of the Council of Ministers Meeting, describing the mining sector as the cornerstone of Africa’s economy. He reaffirmed ADPA’s commitment to transforming the sector to better serve Africa, its communities, and future generations.
Minister Julius Daniel Mattai described the Mining Week as both symbolic and transformational, calling it a “beacon of sustainability in the mining sector.” He emphasized the potential of minerals to transform national economies and called for sustainable mining practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection.
The Sierra Leone Mining Week represents a pivotal moment for the nation’s mining sector, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and regional cooperation.