Freetown: The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR), in partnership with the National Mineral Agency (NMA), held a press conference on the 19th May, 2026 at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Aberdeen, to mark the start of the 2026 Mining Week. The event officially begins on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the week-long gathering will feature the 11th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), placing Sierra Leone at the heart of continent-wide discussions on mineral resource governance.

Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, called the Mining Week a vital platform for stakeholder engagement on issues driving sector growth and transformation. He reaffirmed that Sierra Leone's mineral resources belong to the people, with the government serving as regulator and manager to ensure responsible use.

Mattai encouraged public participation, noting that the event allows citizens to learn more about the mining sector and ask questions openly. He also highlighted value addition as a ministry priority, essential for shared prosperity and maximizing the benefits of the nation's mineral wealth.

Under the theme 'Our Mineral Resources, Responsible Mining, Value Multiplication and Shared Prosperity,' the 2026 Mining Week aims to strengthen the industry through dialogue, address ongoing challenges, and identify sustainable solutions for national development.