The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, led a team, which included the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Umaro Napoleon Koroma, and the Director General of the National Minerals Agency Ing. Hadji Dabo, to engage small-scale mining companies in Moyamba district.
The purpose of the engagements was for the Minister and his team to discuss President Bio’s big five priorities with the companies and exchange ideas on how the companies could contribute to the Government’s agenda for moving the country forward. The team visited Jong Mining Company, Foison Mining Company, Kasino Mining Company and Afro-Asia Mining Company. They were pleased to note that the companies were paying millions of dollars in royalties and taxes, as well as providing employment for thousands of Sierra Leoneans.
The companies explained that despite fluctuations in commodities prices, they were on track to expand operations and increase production, which would translate to more revenue for government.
Both Jong and Foison Mining Companies informed the Minister and his team that they will be transitioning to large-scale mining before the end of the year.
The Minister expressed satisfaction over the reports and projections of the companies, noting that the country relies heavily on its minerals sector to promote development. He pointed out that he was particularly pleased to see that most of the work was being done by Sierra Leoneans, and he encouraged them to remain committed and build their capacities in line with the President’s vision of human capital development.
The Director General of the NMA, Ing. Hadji Dabo assured the companies that the NMA would continue to guide and support them to do the right things, as part of its regulatory functions. He reminded them of their statutory obligations to responsible mining and to the community.
The team is expected to make similar visits to mining companies in other parts of the country.