Northern Province

Northern Province hosts the Tonkolili iron ore mine—Sierra Leone's largest mining operation—where a 12-million-tonne processing plant was inaugurated in May 2024. Chinese company Leone Rock Metal Group operates the mine, reflecting China's dominant position as trading partner and export destination. Minerals account for 61-67% of export value in recent years, with iron ore production resumption pushing mining from near-zero to 7% of GDP by 2024. The Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030) targets 10% of revenues from mining by 2030—an ambition riding on Tonkolili expansion and new developments. The Lungi Bridge project will connect Northern Province to Freetown and its port, reducing the transport costs that have historically constrained mineral exports. The province demonstrates Sierra Leone's post-civil war (ended 2002) transformation: from 'blood diamonds' to critical minerals, from conflict to infrastructure. Real GDP growth slowed to 3.9% in 2024 (from 5.7% in 2023) due to inflation, yet mining and agriculture drove what growth occurred. The 'Big Five' program and 'Feed Salone' initiative target food security and job creation, recognizing that mineral revenues must translate to broader development. Northern Province exemplifies the resource frontier—significant production potential dependent on infrastructure, governance capacity, and global commodity prices beyond local control.