In an effort to showcase the country’s numerous valuable minerals resources to the outside world and more importantly to discuss how these natural endowments can be of benefit to the people of this country, President Julius Maada Bio yesterday launches Sierra Leone’s Mining Week 2025 together with the opening of the 10 African Diamonds Producers Association (ADPA) Ordinary of the Council of Ministers at the Bintumani International Conference Center, Aberdeen in Freetown.

The twin events attracted major stakeholders in mining sectors, including mining experts, multinational mining companies, mining communities, local authorities and other important government functionaries.

President Bio said Sierra Leone at present stands at a crucial junction in mining history, that even though the country has plenty minerals, yet there remain challenges with its mining and how to harness these resources for the development of the people and country in general. He insists: “Our minerals are not just resources but are treasures to benefit everyone equally.” He added, ‘our diamonds are yet to fully benefit our people. He said the country needs enhanced partnership for better management of these minerals.

The chief executive stressed that they country has abundant resources, but its production and management have remain a key challenge, which is why he said his government since 2018 had made tremendous strides to ensure that our minerals benefit everyone equally through formulation of better policies in line with international best practices and review of what he referred to as outdated policies. The president frowned at illegal mining of our minerals which he stressed, if not addressed will continue to deprive the nation. President Bio said in as much as the government has created fair environment, people should not take chance to misuse it, noting that he will make sure anyone found culpable will held accountable without prejudice.

He emphasized that their shared vision must not be shifted from mere production and exploration but should think of turning these resources into finished products and to meet international best practices.

He encouraged participants to ensure sustainable mining for sustainable development by making sure they operate within the ambit of mining policies, to protect the environment, work in partnership with local communities among others, noting that his government remained committed to resolving any dispute through democratic means.

“This week is not just a week of event, but to showcase our God’s given resources to the outside world. If managed well will form the bedrock of prosperity of our people,” President Bio added and called on all to show commitment for the development of the country and the continent in general.

Speaking on the meeting of African Diamond Producers Association an continental governmental organization, he underscored the importance of the organization, noting that their expertise, experience will be enough not only for these resources to benefit the continent but will able to take total control of them and called on participants to pledge their commitment to achieve their aim, and formally welcomed them to Sierra Leone and wished the fruitful deliberations.

Earlier, the host minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Daniel Mattai, said despite the challenges, the potential of Sierra Leone’s minerals is still growing, and called on all to protect these valuable resources for benefit of all. He said without sustainable mining the country will fall back to mining curse, insisting they should try to avoid that situation. He stressed that mineral benefits should not bypass mining communities and encouraged all to commit themselves to sustainable mining best practices.

The Director General of National Mining Agency (NMA), Engineer Alhaji Daboh described the event as a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone’s sustainable mineral growth, noting that both events aimed at not only showcasing our minerals but importantly to attract investors. He added: “It will also attract investment and showcase Sierra Leone’s accountability and credibility at global stage more so when experts are brought in to share their experience.”

He also called for everyone’s commitment and assures his Agency’s support at all times.