Sierra Leone seeks Russian mining expertise
Minister Mattai wants Russian help with exploration, processing and training to boost mineral sector.
Sierra Leone is seeking Russian expertise to improve its mineral exploration and processing capabilities. Minister of Mines, Julius Daniel Mattai, spoke at the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, calling for cooperation beyond raw material export. The country holds iron ore, diamonds, lithium, cobalt, nickel, and coltan.
Mattai stated that Sierra Leone needs better geological surveys, drilling, and modern geophysical investigations to understand its mineral deposits. He highlighted a June 2024 memorandum of understanding on mineral resource inventory for attracting investment. The minister also stressed the importance of local processing and manufacturing to create jobs and retain value, which requires infrastructure like electricity, roads, and ports.
The minister expressed interest in partnerships with Russian universities for scholarships, academic exchanges, and laboratory development in fields like geology and mining engineering. Cooperation on artificial intelligence for geological modelling and energy development to support industrial activities was also proposed.
Why it mattersSierra Leone aims to increase its economic benefits from mineral wealth through enhanced exploration and local processing.