Sierra Leone and Germany Explore Expanded Cooperation on Critical Minerals

Sierra Leone and Germany have explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals, responsible mining and economic diversification, with geological investigations, investment and technical expertise identified as key priorities.

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the National Minerals Agency (NMA) held discussions with a German delegation in Freetown on 8 October 2026, focusing on ways to strengthen existing partnerships and support sustainable development of Sierra Leone’s mineral sector.

Deputy Director General of the NMA Kelvin Anderson welcomed the delegation on behalf of the agency and the ministry, expressing appreciation to Germany for its partnership and to the German development agency GIZ for implementing the Regional Resource Governance Programme across the Mano River Union.

Anderson described the meeting as an opportunity to build on existing cooperation and identify areas where joint efforts could deliver meaningful results. He emphasised the importance of sustaining ongoing support while expanding collaboration on critical minerals exploration and engagement with German companies.

He called for a dedicated mineral investigation programme to strengthen geological mapping, improve data management and build technical capacity. Anderson said updated geological information would help identify and assess mineral deposits, support critical minerals exploration and reduce Sierra Leone’s dependence on iron ore.

His proposals included continued programme support, technical consultations with GIZ and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), market studies and the appointment of designated focal points. He proposed that the NMA lead coordination efforts within Sierra Leone to improve implementation and ensure effective collaboration.

Representing BMZ, Karen Pfundt said Germany was interested in securing reliable supplies of raw materials and valued stability, transparency and predictability within the mining sector. She welcomed Sierra Leone’s progress and expressed hope that continued cooperation would create opportunities for German companies to invest, increase government revenue, generate employment and contribute to poverty reduction.

Pfundt also commended the government’s implementation of Community Development Agreements, which are intended to ensure that mining communities benefit from activities involving their mineral resources.

European Union representative Rovsseau highlighted transparent investment arrangements, predictable licensing and taxation systems, and compliance with environmental obligations as important conditions for attracting responsible investors.

Participants also discussed the need to review mining revenue and royalty arrangements for emerging critical minerals, encourage local value addition, and ensure that communities benefit more directly from mineral wealth.

The meeting brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, NMA, National Revenue Authority, Environmental Protection Agency and Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

The German delegation was led by Ambassador Pascal Richter and included BMZ representative Karen Pfundt, alongside representatives from KfW and the European Union.

The discussions underscored the importance of stronger international partnerships, reliable geological data, transparent governance and responsible investment in diversifying Sierra Leone’s mining sector. Participants highlighted the need to translate ongoing cooperation into practical initiatives that support mineral exploration, expand economic opportunities and deliver lasting benefits to the country and its mining communities.