Umaru Napoleon Koroma, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, has strongly opposed the traditional practice of mining and exporting diamonds without adding value to them. Speaking at the Intra-Africa Dialogue on Rough Diamond Beneficiation and Value Addition in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Mr Koroma emphasized the importance of African countries processing and adding value to diamonds where they are mined.
He criticized the outdated practice of simply digging up diamonds and shipping them out of the continent, claiming that it has resulted in mineral-rich countries falling behind in realizing their full potential. He noted that only a few countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola, have been successful in increasing the value of their rough diamonds, resulting in significant economic growth.
Mr. Koroma emphasized the importance of establishing domestic diamond beneficiation industries to gain a competitive advantage in global markets. He emphasized the importance of incorporating cutting-edge technologies into the beneficiation and value-added processes of the diamond value chain.
The Deputy Minister advocated for the implementation of new laws and policy frameworks that reflect citizens’ interests and ensure that the event’s discussions result in tangible outcomes for member countries. Sierra Leone, currently serving as Vice Chair of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA), is dedicated to promoting diamond beneficiation in Africa.
To summarize, Mr. Koroma’s advocacy for value addition in the mining sector emphasizes the importance of maximizing economic contributions from Africa’s natural resources. African countries can improve their competitiveness in the global diamond market and generate long-term economic growth for their citizens by prioritizing local beneficiation industries and adopting cutting-edge technologies.
