Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, held a strategic meeting with a delegation of Qatari investors from the Thirty-Five Group Ltd on January 21, 2025 at the Head Office of the National Minerals Agency (NMA) in Freetown. The meeting focused on exploring investment opportunities within the country’s thriving mineral sector.
Welcoming the delegation, the Minister emphasized that their presence underscored the growing global interest in Sierra Leone’s vast mineral potential and its emergence as a key player in the international mining industry.
“Sierra Leone is committed to responsibly and sustainably harnessing its natural resources to drive economic growth and national development,” Julius Daniel Mattai stated. He outlined the Government’s focus on transitioning the mineral sector toward value addition, highlighting the need for investments in local processing facilities, workforce development, public-private partnerships and favorable tax policies.
The Minister explained that advancing the value chain by attracting higher-margin activities such as mineral processing is critical for job creation and ensuring that the benefits of the country’s natural resources are widely shared. He reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to strengthening governance and building local geo-scientific capacities to ensure sustainable progress in the sector.
He further assured the delegation that the Thirty-Five Group Ltd’s diversified expertise aligns seamlessly with the Government’s vision of innovation, sustainability and long-term growth. “Together, we can unlock the full potential of Sierra Leone’s mineral sector and contribute to a brighter future for all,” he said.
In response, the head of the Qatari delegation, Ahmed bin Khalid, expressed keen interest in Sierra Leone’s mining industry. He commended the Government’s forward-thinking policies and commitment to sustainable development.
“We see immense potential in Sierra Leone, not just in resource extraction but also in contributing to the development of the local economy,” Ahmed bin Khalid remarked. He praised the Government’s emphasis on value addition and capacity building, reiterating that the Thirty-Five Group Ltd’s investment strategy aligns with these priorities.
Ahmed bin Khalid assured the Minister of his company’s commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that would drive mutual growth and prosperity.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about the prospects of collaboration to transform Sierra Leone’s mineral sector into a beacon of sustainable development and innovation.
