By Kandeh Sesay
Freetown, April 11, 2025 — In a significant move aimed at revitalizing Sierra Leone’s mining sector, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, on Friday officially relaunched the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines at a high-profile ceremony held at the Bintumani Hotel in Aberdeen, Freetown.
The event marked a turning point for the mining industry, reigniting optimism for transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic growth after decades of dormancy.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Mattai emphasized that although the Chamber had existed for over 60 years, it became inactive due to disruptions such as the civil war. “Collectively, we are re-emerging this institution with a new vision—one that prioritizes transparency, accountability, collaboration, and coordination,” he said.
He called on investors and mining companies to embrace a new era of partnership through the Chamber. “Let us work hand in hand with regulatory agencies like the National Minerals Agency and other Government MDAs to uphold best practices. Today marks the beginning of a brighter future, a new chapter for Sierra Leone’s mining sector,” he stated.
Lima Sufian-Kargbo, President of the Sierra Leone Chamber of Mines and CEO of Sierra Rutile Limited, described the relaunch as a milestone. “We gather here to affirm our shared belief in responsible mining and the critical role this sector plays in Sierra Leone’s economic and social development,” she said.
She stressed that the reconstituted Chamber will serve as a unified voice for the industry, fostering strategic engagement with government, civil society, host communities, regulators, and international partners. “Our goal is to strengthen the role of industry players in advancing sustainable mining, investment, innovation, and national development,” she added.
Ambassador Sahr Johnny, Chairman of the Mining Advisory Board, emphasized the importance of ensuring that mining benefits not only companies but also wider society. He urged the Chamber to engage all relevant stakeholders in its activities.
Engineer Alhaji Hadji Daboh, Director General of the National Minerals Agency, praised the mining companies for their renewed commitment to responsible practices, describing the Chamber as a “beacon of hope, alignment and shared value.”
Parliamentary Committee Chairman on Mines and Mineral Resources, Saa Emmerson Lamina, lauded the relaunch and reaffirmed Parliament’s full support, citing the 1991 Constitution’s recognition of mining’s vital national role.
Mohamed Baimba Koroma, National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SLEITI), reiterated the importance of transparency and open data in governance. “We aim to strengthen governance, improve resource management, and build public trust through informed dialogue,” he noted.
Industry veteran Andrew Keili provided historical context, recalling that the Chamber was first established in 1965 to succeed the Sierra Leone Mining Association. Founding members included Delco, Sierra Leone Selection Trust, and Sherbro Minerals, among others. He noted that civil conflict in the 1990s disrupted operations, leading to the Chamber’s inactivity.
With the return of peace in 2002 and the resumption of industrial mining, stakeholders say the time is ripe for a fresh start.
The newly relaunched and officially registered members of the Chamber include:
1. Sierra Rutile Limited
2. Koidu Limited
3. Marampa Mines Limited
4. Meya Mining Limited
5. Leone Rock Metal Group Limited
6. FG Gold Limited
7. CTC Mining (SL) Limited
8. Metals and Minerals Limited
9. CEMMATS Group Limited
10. Leone Mineral Limited
11. Sierra Diamonds Limited
The event concluded with a cocktail reception attended by dignitaries, mining executives, and stakeholders from across the country.
