By Sallieu S, Kanu
Port Loko District, Sierra Leone – Marampa Mines Limited (MML) made a historic contribution of US$3.7 million (NLe 83.7 million) to the people of Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms on Friday, January 24. The symbolic cheque was presented to President Julius Maada Bio, representing payments for the 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund (CDF), in compliance with the Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Act.
The event, held in Port Loko District, also marked the commissioning of MML’s expanded production capacity, which will increase output to 3.75 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore annually. This expansion highlights Sierra Leone’s growing potential to attract and sustain foreign investment in the mining sector.
In his address, President Bio expressed sincere gratitude to MML for its investment and commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly through the Community Development Agreement (CDA). The CDA ensures that local communities directly benefit from Sierra Leone’s natural resources. The president emphasized the significance of the $3.7 million payment in driving local development and improving the well-being of residents in the affected communities.
“Today, I am here to present the dummy cheque for $3.7 million as payments for the 2023 and 2024 CDA funds to the people. This is part of our government’s commitment to equitable and inclusive development, ensuring that the people of Sierra Leone benefit directly from the resources within their land,” President Bio said.
He also underlined the importance of human capital development, particularly skills training, in empowering Sierra Leone’s youth to succeed in the workforce. The president praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, paramount chiefs, and local authorities, urging them to maintain oversight to ensure that operations continue without disruption.
Madam Patricia Nikolopoulos, Chief Financial Officer of Gerald Metals, representing MML’s CEO Craig Dean, highlighted the company’s impressive progress since resuming operations in 2021. “We invested over US$200 million in state-of-the-art equipment, including a gyrating crusher, a SAG mill, and an expanded power plant, enabling us to boost production capacity and fulfill our promises to Sierra Leone,” she said.
Looking ahead, MML has set ambitious goals, with plans to increase production to 5 million tonnes within two years and potentially up to 20 million tonnes annually in the future.
Fred Lotti, Chief Operating Officer of MML, discussed the company’s rapid growth and its positive impact on the local community. “Within just a few years, we’ve increased production from 2 million tonnes to 3.75 million tonnes annually, extending the mine’s life to 100 years. These achievements reflect the dedication and innovation of our team,” he said.
Lotti also noted MML’s commitment to gender diversity, with women making up over 30% of the workforce, and the company’s contribution to advancing local technical capabilities, including the 100% crystallization of Marampa iron ore, a significant breakthrough in Sierra Leone’s mining history.
Professor Shekh Umar Kamarah, MML’s Director of Community Relations, called for sustainable electricity solutions for host communities and praised the local population for their ownership of the mining project. He highlighted the tangible benefits of the previous CDF, including scholarships for 626 students nationwide.
Local community leaders expressed their appreciation for the government’s efforts in ensuring that MML honored its commitments, stressing the positive impact of the CDF on education, healthcare, and other local needs.
Ambassador Bryn David Hunt of the U.S. and High Commissioner Josephine Gauld of the U.K. commended MML for fostering international partnerships and promoting sustainable development. Ambassador Hunt emphasized the shared values between Sierra Leone and the U.S., while High Commissioner Gauld recognized the company’s role in strengthening the ties between Sierra Leone and the U.K.
The event highlighted the transformative impact of Marampa Mines on Sierra Leone’s mining sector and its potential to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development through strong collaboration between the government, investors, and local communities.