Sierra Leone Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Leads Delegation to Future Minerals Forum 2025.

By Abubakarr Bah

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, is currently leading a technical delegation to the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The three-day event, which kicked off on January 14, 2025, at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, brings together government representatives, international organizations, and stakeholders to shape the future of minerals.

Sierra Leone’s delegation includes Ing. Hadji Dabo, Director-General, National Minerals Agency (NMA); Joseph Lebbie, Acting Director of Geological Survey, NMA; and Alusine Timbo, Deputy Director of Mines, NMA.

The Sierra Leone delegation was  accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary in Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Mohammed S. Barrie.

On January 14, the delegation participated in the 4th FMF’s Ministerial Roundtable (MRT) discussions, moderated by Hon. Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

During the MRT session, Minister Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone’s exceptional geology and diverse mineral resources. He emphasized the importance of critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, and graphite, for modern technologies, economies, and national security.

Mattai also discussed the challenges facing Sierra Leone’s mining sector, including the lack of value addition, limited exploration investments, and inadequate infrastructure. He stressed the need for international collaboration to address these challenges and unlock investment opportunities.

The FMF provides a platform for Sierra Leone to engage with global stakeholders, discuss policy and investment opportunities, and build partnerships to support its national development.

In addition to the MRT, the Sierra Leone delegation participated in the annual International Geological Survey Meeting (IGSM), which aims to promote international collaboration in geological surveying.

The outcomes of the FMF are expected to enable Sierra Leone to unlock investment in critical minerals supply, accelerate infrastructure partnerships, and create resilient value chains.