The Mattai Effect: $1.3bn in Mineral Exports, But Are Sierra Leoneans Seeing the Change?

A global visibility feature, straight from my heart and the team at Make Sierra Leone Famous, in partnership with the National Minerals Agency (NMA), as we dive deep into our nation’s journey toward resource ownership and diversification during Mining Week 2026 (May 19 – 23).

Everyone focused on the doom and gloom at Koidu Holdings over the past year because it felt like business as usual; that Sierra Leone had messed up in mining. We all know the script: “untapped potential” and the “resource curse.” 

But What We Didn’t Know?  

A quiet, powerful transformation was happening  in our Salone. Under the leadership of Julius Daniel Mattai, our Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the world’s roundest country is taking on a new approach with its mines. Sierra Leone is an entrepreneurial stakeholder in her own destiny. Mining revenue is at an all-time high, and our people are feeling the impact in real time. 

Rather than the typical story of exploitation, this is one of a total mindset pivot toward “value multiplication.” When I heard Mr. Mattai say: “We should see ourselves as investors. We must recognize that we own these resources,” on Radio Democracy 98.1 last week, I said that’s the energy we need! Sierra Leone needs to stop behaving like a guest at its own table. 

The Numbers Are In (and They Are All the Way Up)! 

As Sierra Leone takes charge of its mines, the numbers show that the changes are already yielding results. If you think this is just talk, we’ve got the receipts. 

The recent mining data shows a sector that isn’t just surviving: it’s scaling at a remarkable pace. Look at this meteoric rise over the last five years:

• 2021: $380 million 
• 2022: $500 million 
• 2023: $900 million 
• 2024: $1.13 billion 
• 2025: Surpassed $1.3 billion (a 16% year-over-year increase) 

This momentum is no accident. It’s the result of bold policy moves to go beyond just shipping away our raw ore. Whether it’s the iron ore power of Marampa Mines and Kingho (Leone Rock), or the high-tech separation at Sierra Rutile, the goal is clear: we must add value!

Changing the Rules of the Game

The engine behind this is the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2023. We spent fourteen years stuck with a static rulebook, but no more. Championed by President Maada Bio, this new law ensures we stay globally competitive for foreign investment while making sure the state – and Sierra Leonean citizens – benefit from our resources.

To manage this, Mr. Mattai says it starts with a separation of powers. The Ministry handles the politics and policy-making, while the National Minerals Agency (NMA) serves as the regulatory enforcer, and the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC) manages the commercial interest of the State in the mining sector.

Empowering the New Guard 

But the investment I’m most excited about? It’s the investment in our people. We have 15,000 Sierra Leoneans working in mining: that’s 96% of the workforce! But the Minister wants more than just jobs: he wants expertise.

He’s bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical technical skills so our graduates can become the industry’s future entrepreneurs. 

And the communities are feeling it too! Under the new law, the community share of mining revenue jumped to 1% of gross revenue. Seeing a check for Le99 billion ($4 million) go to chiefdoms in Tonkolili is proof that when the sector wins, the people win.

The Road Ahead: Sierra Leone Mining Week 2026 

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Minister Mattai is candid about the unfortunate hurdles at Koidu Holdings and the fight against illicit mining. But there is a firm commitment against unethical operators: we are leaning on our communities to protect our environment and our future.

This all leads us to the big stage: Sierra Leone Mining Week, May 19–23, 2026. The event will show that our local mining sector is maturing, transparent, and ready for critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt, etc.

The five-day summit at the Freetown International Conference Centre builds on the success of the 2025 event, which had over 2,500 participants. A major highlight of the week will be the hosting of the 11th African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers and the official launch of the National Strategy for Critical Minerals in Sierra Leone (2026–2031), organized by the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency.  

Tell you neba say levels don change. Sierra Leone is no longer just a place where minerals are found: it’s where they are owned, refined, and managed for the good of every citizen. The investment has begun, and the momentum is unstoppable!