The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, has officially launched the National Strategy for Critical Minerals 2026–2031, setting out a comprehensive roadmap to responsibly develop the country’s critical mineral resources, attract credible investment, promote green industrialization and strengthen mineral governance.
The strategy, issued on 9th July 2026, provides a clear framework for identifying, prioritizing and managing Sierra Leone’s critical minerals over the next five years. Government says the initiative is intended to ensure that the country’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to economic diversification, sustainable development and long-term national prosperity.
According to the Ministry, the strategy is anchored in the Constitution of Sierra Leone, the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2023 (Act No. 16 of 2023) and the Sierra Leone Minerals Policy (2018). Those legal and policy instruments provide the foundation for the transparent, efficient, sustainable and accountable management of the nation’s mineral resources.
Speaking on the significance of the new framework, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai described the strategy as a decisive step towards transforming Sierra Leone’s critical mineral resources into engines of economic growth.
“This Strategy gives Sierra Leone a clear pathway to convert its critical mineral endowment into responsible investment, value addition, jobs, transparency and long-term national development,” the Minister stated.
The strategy recognizes critical minerals as a strategic component of Sierra Leone’s broader mineral sector, highlighting their growing importance in supporting economic diversification, the global energy transition, green industrialization and national security.
It also outlines a series of priority programmes, measurable targets and institutional responsibilities aimed at advancing responsible mineral exploration, expanding local value addition, strengthening geological data systems, improving transparency in mineral licensing, enhancing environmental stewardship and aligning Sierra Leone’s mining sector with continental initiatives, including the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy.
Government believes the implementation of the National Strategy for Critical Minerals will enhance investor confidence, reinforce good governance practices within the mining sector and ensure that the country’s critical mineral resources generate greater benefits for citizens through inclusive economic growth, industrial transformation and sustainable national development.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with stakeholders, development partners and investors to successfully implement the strategy and unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s critical minerals sector.
