Sierra Leone Seeks International Support to Expand Mineral Processing

Sierra Leone is seeking greater international investment and technical cooperation to strengthen geological exploration, expand domestic mineral processing and support the mining sector’s contribution to industrial development.

Julius Daniel Mattai, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, set out the priorities while addressing the Russia–Africa Summit in Moscow on 28 October 2026. He said Sierra Leone intended to deepen cooperation with Russia and other international partners to better use its mineral resources and support wider economic transformation.

Improving knowledge of mineral resources

Mattai said investment was needed in geological exploration, mineral processing, technological advancement and the development of skilled professionals. He identified systematic geological surveys, scientific investigations, exploratory drilling and modern geophysical methods as important to improving the country’s understanding of its mineral potential.

“We need to understand our geology better,” Mattai said while emphasizing the importance of further surveys and research.

The minister said Sierra Leone had deposits of iron ore and diamonds, alongside exploration prospects involving lithium, cobalt, nickel and coltan. He also stressed that mineral wealth alone could not guarantee prosperity, pointing to the need for geological information, effective governance, technology, skilled personnel and responsible resource management.

Mattai referred to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2024 concerning an inventory of Sierra Leone’s mineral resources. He presented the initiative as a foundation for improving geological knowledge and attracting investment, although the supplied information does not specify the agreement’s parties, terms or implementation status.

Focus on domestic value addition

The minister advocated an integrated mineral value chain that would cover exploration, extraction, beneficiation, processing, smelting, refining and, where commercially viable, manufacturing.

He said expanding activities inside Sierra Leone could create employment, strengthen local industries, encourage technology transfer and increase the share of economic benefits retained from mineral production. The approach would move the country beyond the export of raw materials and support the development of processing and other value-chain activities.

Mattai also identified reliable and affordable electricity as essential to commercially viable mineral processing and industrial facilities. Infrastructure requirements, according to the discussion, include electricity, transport networks, roads, ports and other industrial facilities.

He said the Government was reviewing aspects of the country’s mining legislation to improve regulatory clarity and provide investors with a stable legal and fiscal framework.

Potential cooperation with Russian institutions

Sierra Leone also expressed interest in cooperation with Russian universities, research institutions and training centres. Possible areas include scholarships, staff exchanges, laboratory development, technical training and geological research.

Mattai said collaboration could also involve the use of artificial intelligence in geological modelling and mineral exploration. The source material does not identify the Russian state university he mentioned, but notes that he had held discussions with one on geological education and scientific research before the summit address.

The minister said Sierra Leone’s partnerships should be guided by mutual benefit, national sovereignty and sustainable economic opportunities rather than geopolitical alignment. “We are not looking East. We are not looking West. We are not looking North or South. We are looking downward into the ground to make more discovery and move forward to make sure we prosper,” he said.

He described Sierra Leone as open to investors and development partners able to provide financing, scientific knowledge, advanced technologies and technical expertise. The information available describes cooperation and investment opportunities, but does not establish that specific Russian investments or agreements were finalized at the summit.