By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, led Sierra Leone’s delegation to the Angola International Mining Conference 2025 (AIMC 2025) in Luanda, held under the theme: “Celebrating 50 Years of Independence: The Future of Mining in Angola Starts Here.” The Minister was accompanied by a high-powered team from the National Minerals Agency (NMA), including Dr. Kelvin Anderson (Deputy Director-General), Mohamed Bah (Director, DPMT) and Salieu Bah (PMT Manager).
Representing the nation with pride, Minister Julius Daniel Mattai, who also serves as the current Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), delivered an inspiring address as Guest Minister. Extending “warm greetings from His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio and the spirited people of Sierra Leone,” he remarked, “Our diamonds may sparkle, but our smiles shine even brighter.”
He hailed the event as a “landmark moment” for African unity and development, emphasizing that the conference symbolizes partnership and shared progress. “Today, we unite not as competitors but as partners and pioneers on a journey that will define Angola’s and Africa’s global mining legacy for generations to come,” he stated.
Julius Daniel Mattai joined Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Diamantino Azevedo, on an extensive tour of AIMC’s exhibition, where they explored state-of-the-art mining technologies, networked with industry leaders and built new partnerships geared toward responsible, inclusive and innovative mining development across the continent.
In his keynote address, Julius Daniel Mattai laid out a bold vision for Africa’s mining transformation. He underscored the importance of reform and innovation in ensuring that the continent moves beyond raw material exportation toward full value addition.
“Through deep reforms and strategic innovations our nations are building inclusive governance and implementation mechanisms that empower citizens, expand opportunity and bring all stakeholders to the table,” he said.
He further urged African nations to seize this defining moment to “rewrite the narrative; one grounded in transparency, inclusivity and long-term vision,” adding that Africa’s future must be “marked by deeper integration, competitiveness, sustainability and dignity for all.”
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s participation at AIMC 2025, the Minister drew key lessons to guide national policy and preparation for the Sierra Leone Mining Week scheduled for April 2026:
- Break Barriers and Innovate Boldly: He called on Sierra Leone to pioneer reforms that uplift communities and foster sustainable wealth creation. “Let us pledge to transform Africa’s mining sector through regional integration and innovative, people-centered approaches,” he declared.
- Foster Regional Collaboration and Shared Value: The Minister emphasized the need to deepen cooperation among African mining nations, leveraging local expertise and technology for resilient growth.
- Champion Ethical and Transparent Governance: He highlighted the importance of learning from past experiences and ensuring that governance structures deliver fair benefits throughout the value chain.
Julius Daniel Mattai concluded his address with a rallying call that captured the spirit of African renewal: “Angola’s moment is now. Africa’s moment is now. Together, let us make history.”
The Sierra Leone delegation’s participation reaffirmed the country’s rising influence in regional mining leadership and its unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable, transparent and transformative resource management across Africa.
