By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone’s mining sector received a significant boost on January 21, 2025, as Qatari investors from Thirty-Five Group Ltd. held discussions with Julius Daniel Mattai, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, at the National Minerals Agency (NMA) Head Office in Freetown. The high-level meeting focused on fostering strategic investments and partnerships to unlock the country’s untapped mineral potential and drive national development.
During the meeting, Minister Mattai underscored Sierra Leone’s vision of transforming its mineral resources into a cornerstone of economic growth. He highlighted the government’s commitment to responsible mining practices, ensuring that the sector contributes to the country’s long-term sustainable development. “We want to move beyond extraction,” he said, “and transition into value addition by establishing local processing facilities and creating a skilled workforce. This is essential to building a resilient economy where the benefits of our mineral wealth are shared equitably.”
Minister Mattai emphasized the importance of creating an investor-friendly environment through favorable tax policies, robust governance structures, and public-private partnerships. He noted that harnessing the country’s natural resources responsibly is key to building a sustainable future and ensuring the sector becomes a catalyst for job creation and national prosperity.
“Our goal is to move up the value chain and attract high-margin activities such as mineral processing and manufacturing,” he stated. “This not only generates more revenue for the country but also ensures that the people of Sierra Leone benefit directly from our resources.”
The Minister also outlined Sierra Leone’s efforts to strengthen geoscientific capacity, a critical factor in unlocking the sector’s full potential. He assured the Qatari delegation that the government is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. “Your expertise in diversified investments aligns perfectly with our vision for the mining sector,” he told the investors. “Together, we can create a brighter future for Sierra Leone.”
Representing the Qatari investors, Mr. Ahmed bin Khalid, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities in Sierra Leone’s mining industry. He commended the government’s progressive approach to governance and sustainability, which he described as an inspiring framework for responsible investment.
Mr. Khalid highlighted that Thirty-Five Group Ltd. is eager to explore opportunities beyond resource extraction, including developing local economies and empowering communities. “We see immense potential in Sierra Leone—not just in terms of the wealth beneath the ground but also in the transformative impact that responsible investments can have on society,” he said.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to aligning its investment strategy with the government’s vision of value addition and capacity building. “Our approach focuses on creating meaningful partnerships that will generate mutual growth and prosperity,” Mr. Khalid added. “We are here to foster long-term relationships that benefit not only our investors but also the people of Sierra Leone.”
The meeting marked a crucial step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to attract foreign investments that align with its developmental goals. Both parties expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead and committed to further engagement to solidify the partnership.
As Sierra Leone positions itself as a key player in the global mining industry, such collaborations underscore the importance of sustainable and responsible mining practices. With a focus on value addition, local empowerment, and governance, the government’s efforts are poised to transform the sector into a pillar of the nation’s economic growth.
The discussions with the Qatari investors reflect the broader vision of ensuring that Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth serves as a foundation for inclusive and sustainable development, creating opportunities for current and future generations alike.
