Sierra Leone seeks Russian expertise to process minerals
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sierra Loaded
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines, Julius Daniel Mattai, has asked Russia to increase its expertise and investment in exploration and local mineral processing. He presented this cooperation as a way to increase the economic benefits of the country’s resources at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on 28 October 2026, according to Sierra Loaded.
Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines, Julius Daniel Mattai, called in Moscow on Wednesday 28 October for stronger technical cooperation and Russian investment in mineral exploration and processing in Sierra Leone. He was speaking at the Russia-Africa Summit, Sierra Loaded reports, and argued for partnerships that go beyond extracting and exporting raw materials.
Mattai cited iron ore and diamonds, as well as potential resources of lithium, cobalt, nickel and coltan. He said their development could contribute to the country’s economic transformation, provided there was investment in geological research, modern technologies, governance and the training of skilled workers.
The minister called in particular for geological surveys, drilling and radiometric and magnetic geophysical studies to better locate deposits and reduce exploration risks. He recalled that a memorandum of understanding on the inventory of mineral resources had been signed in June 2024. Mattai also made the case for local mineral processing—including beneficiation, smelting and refining—to create jobs and retain more value in the country.
This ambition would require investment in electricity, roads and port facilities, as well as a transparent and predictable legal and tax framework, he added. The move is part of Freetown’s efforts to build external economic cooperation, after President Julius Maada Bio tasked Ambassador Foday Jaward with strengthening ties with Qatar on 22 October.
