By Marian Magdalene Bangura, Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, participated in the Government of Sierra Leone’s weekly press conference at the Miatta Conference Centre in Freetown. The session, hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided a platform for Minister Mattai to announce Sierra Leone’s assumption of the Chairmanship of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) and to speak on the ongoing National Mining Week celebration.
Minister Mattai revealed that Sierra Leone has officially taken over the leadership of ADPA for a two-year period. This announcement came ahead of the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers, which will be held as part of the Mining Week activities.
The theme for this year’s Mining Week is: “Sustainable Mining and Shared Benefit: Bringing Sierra Leone Closer to Its People.” According to Minister Mattai, the theme underscores the government’s commitment to making mining more inclusive and community-focused. “One of our key intentions is to bring mining activities closer to the people and to encourage greater participation of women in the mining sector,” he emphasized.
As part of the Mining Week celebration, Sierra Leone is hosting a delegation of mining ministers and senior officials from across the continent, including countries such as Guinea, Liberia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, Namibia, South Africa, Cameroon, and newly added ADPA members, Mozambique, Tanzania, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Republic of Congo. In addition, observers from Gabon, Russia, Mali, Algeria, and Mauritania are in attendance.
Minister Mattai noted that many of these international representatives are in Sierra Leone not only to participate in the celebration but also to witness firsthand the transformation and potential of Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio officially opened the key event of Mining Week on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown.
The Mining Week, which runs from April 8 to 12, 2025, features a range of engaging activities including exhibition booths, panel discussions, and cultural performances, culminating in an evening concert that celebrates the vibrant potential of the country’s mining industry.
Minister Mattai encouraged citizens to take part in the celebration by registering through the official portal and using the provided registration code to follow the event. He assured the public that this year’s Mining Week promises to be both informative and entertaining, offering a “taste of different flavours” through a well-curated mix of national pride, international partnerships, and community engagement.
