Sierra Leone unveils five-year critical minerals strategy to attract investment

Sierra Leone has launched a National Strategy for Critical Minerals (2026–2031) aimed at responsibly developing its critical mineral resources, attracting credible investment, advancing green industrialisation and strengthening governance in the mining sector.

The strategy, issued by the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources on Thursday, provides a five-year framework for identifying, prioritising and managing the country’s critical minerals as demand for minerals used in clean energy technologies continues to grow globally.

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), which together form the legal and policy framework for the sustainable and transparent management of the country’s mineral resources.

“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 of Mines and Mineral Resources said.

The government described critical minerals as a strategic component of Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth with growing importance for economic diversification, the global energy transition, green industrialisation and national security.

The strategy outlines priority actions, programmes and institutional responsibilities to promote responsible mineral exploration, value addition, improved geological data systems, transparent licensing processes, environmental stewardship and stronger alignment with continental initiatives, including the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy.

Government officials say the framework is expected to boost investor confidence, strengthen mineral sector governance and ensure that the country’s critical mineral resources contribute to inclusive economic growth, industrial transformation and sustainable development over the next five years.