Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Daniel Mattai, has called for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) to remain free from political interference. Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), the Minister delivered the keynote address at the ADPA Pre-KPCS Intersessional Meeting held on Sunday May 18, 2025 in Dubai.

Leading Sierra Leone’s delegation to the high-level event, Julius Daniel Mattai emphasized the need to uphold the founding principles of the KPCS, which was established to curb the trade in conflict diamonds and promote peace and development. He reminded participants that the scheme’s mandate, as outlined in the United Nations Resolution and the Interlaken Declaration, is to ensure a credible and transparent regulatory framework for the global rough diamond trade.

“The Kimberley Process must not be used as a platform for settling geopolitical scores,” the Mines and Mineral Resources Minister cautioned. “It is imperative that we remain focused on the core vision and objectives behind its formation. Any deviation threatens the unity, credibility and effectiveness of the scheme in combating the trade in conflict diamonds.”

Julius Daniel Mattai underlined the critical importance of global peace and stability, noting that the diamond industry, when properly regulated, can serve as a powerful catalyst for sustainable development. He reiterated the commitment of Sierra Leone and ADPA member states to a depoliticized, transparent and inclusive Kimberley Process.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Minister held bilateral discussions with the KPCS Chairperson, H.E. Ahmed Bin Sulayem. The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including Sierra Leone’s contribution to the KPCS, the evolution of the global diamond industry and recent developments in the country’s mining sector.

Highlighting Sierra Leone’s efforts to expand its mineral portfolio, Mines and Mineral Resources Minister disclosed that the country is now focusing on critical minerals such as lithium in addition to traditional commodities like diamonds and gold. “We are committed to diversifying our mineral resources to support long-term economic growth,” he said.

Sierra Leone continues to play a vital role in several key committees within the Kimberley Process, including the Working Group on Monitoring (WGM), the Working Group of Diamond Experts (WGDE) and the Working Group on Artisanal and Alluvial Production (WGAAP). The country also remains an active and influential member of the African Diamond Producers Association.

The Minister was accompanied by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Rashid Sesay, who joined the delegation in engaging with key stakeholders and partners during the Dubai meetings.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme remains a crucial global initiative aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds while fostering peace, accountability and sustainable development in diamond-producing nations. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/mines-minister-advocates-for-integrity-in-diamond-trade-regulation-at-kpcs-meeting/