By Emma Black

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has called for the non-politicization of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), during his address at the ongoing intersessional meeting in Dubai. Speaking in his dual capacity as Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), Minister Mattai emphasized the importance of maintaining the Scheme’s neutrality and focus on its core mandate curbing the trade in conflict diamonds.

Chairing the ADPA Pre-KPCS Intersessional Meeting, Minister Mattai led Sierra Leone’s delegation to the global forum, underscoring the strategic role diamonds play in promoting peace and sustainable development. He reminded participants that the Kimberley Process, established under UN resolutions and the Interlaken Declaration, was designed as a regulatory tool to prevent the circulation of rough diamonds that fuel conflict.

Minister Mattai warned against the growing trend of using the Kimberley Process as a platform for geopolitical agendas, arguing that such actions risk compromising the unity, credibility, and effectiveness of the scheme.

We must remain committed to the founding principles of the Kimberley Process. Allowing it to become politicized not only undermines our credibility but also distracts from our shared goal of ending the trade in conflict diamonds, he stated, he urged all stakeholders to stay aligned with the core objectives of the KPCS and to work collaboratively toward a more transparent and accountable global diamond industry.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Mattai held productive bilateral discussions with the KPCS Chairperson, H.E. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, focusing on global diamond market trends, Sierra Leone’s ongoing contributions to the Kimberley Process, and broader issues in the mining sector.

Minister Mattai highlighted Sierra Leone’s strategic move to diversify its mineral portfolio, moving beyond traditional resources such as diamonds and gold to embrace critical minerals like lithium, which are crucial for future energy and technological applications. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging the mining sector as a driver of economic transformation and sustainable growth.

Sierra Leone continues to play a prominent role within the Kimberley Process, actively participating in key working groups, including, The Working Group on Monitoring (WGM) The Working Group of Diamond Experts (WGDE), The Working Group on Artisanal and Alluvial Production (WGAAP) The country is also a key member of the African Diamond Producers Association, contributing to the broader continental vision of responsible resource governance, minister Mattai was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay, as part of the delegation committed to advancing Sierra Leone’s interests on the international stage.

Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 21st, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)