By George M.O. Williams
Local authorities and government functionaries have described FG Gold, a transformational gold exploration and development company operating in Baomahun town in Bo District, as a responsible company that has fulfilled its promises to the communities where it operates.
This disclosure was made by local authorities, members of the landowning families, a member of parliament, community youths, women’s representatives, and stakeholders of the mining communities, when FG Gold took journalists on a conducted tour of their operations.
The management of FG Gold emphasized environmental safety, commitment to the community, and developing the mines by international best practices and standards.
The two-day visit which was held on the 4th and 5th December 2024, was dubbed ‘FG Gold Media Day’.
Journalists were taken on a conducted tour of the sites where the proposed tailing storage facility and processing plant will be built, FG Gold community driving school and community clinic, and witnessed the turning of the sod for the construction of the community center, projects which were accomplished under the company’s corporate social responsibility.
During the conducted tour, there was no evidence of water pollution as a result of the construction at the FG Gold mining sites.
The Baomahun Gold Project is one of the largest gold deposits under development in Africa and will become Sierra Leone’s first large-scale commercial gold mine. Upon operations, the Project is expected to deliver an average annual gold production of ~147,000 ounces per year over a 12.5-year mine life peaking at 234,000 ounces.
The Project will be a significant contributor to the economic and social development of Sierra Leone with an expected contribution of up to 10% of the country’s Gross Domestic Production while providing up to 900 direct and indirect jobs to Sierra Leoneans.
The rehabilitated health facility
Paramount Chief Dr. Margarette Veronica Komeh Baio-Gbanie III praised FG Gold’s developmental initiatives, which she said surpassed those of previous companies operating in the community.
She said that since mining activities started in the Baomahun town in the1930s, FD Gold is the only company that has fulfilled its corporate social responsibility. She said that the building of the community centre is the last of the four projects the company promised the community. She confirmed that the company has offered scholarships to members of the community, built school, rehabilitated and extended the health facility.
The paramount chief said that for the company to be on exploration and contribute to the development of the community is laudable. She appreciated the company for being part of the development story of the community.
She urged local youth to acquire the skills needed so that they would get jobs in the company.
Town Chief of Baomahun, Joseph Kowa, commended FG Gold for fulfilling its promises to the community.
He expressed optimism that at the commencement of full-scale mining, the community will develop with the support of FG Gold.
Paramount Chief Dr. Margarette Veronica Komeh Baio-Gbanie III and representatives of the community
The Deputy Director of the National Mineral Agency (NMA), Kelvin Anderson emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Sierra Leoneans benefit significantly from the country’s natural resources through community development and funding initiatives. Speaking at an event in Baomahun, he praised FG Gold for exceeding expectations in supporting the local community.
“If the people are happy, any mining company will thrive,” he stated, highlighting the importance of community satisfaction in the success of mining operations. He commended FG Gold for its exceptional contributions, which go beyond the standard requirements, ensuring community development remains at the forefront of their operations.
Hassan Bash Kamara, a Member of Parliament, echoed these sentiments, describing FG Gold’s efforts as unparalleled in the community’s history of mining. “FG Gold is leaving an indelible mark compared to previous companies,” he said. Kamara expressed confidence in the company’s commitment, adding, “They have proven they will not fail us based on what they have done so far.”
A representative from the District Council, Lahai Abu, also praised FG Gold, noting that the company has fulfilled 90 promises of its promise to the community. “FG Gold is complementing the efforts of the government and the council. This is a laudable venture that sets a benchmark for other mining companies,” Lahai Abu said.
The section chief and members of the landowning families also commended the company for its support to the community and farmers in its drive to boost agriculture.
Manager of the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF), Stephen Essel, explained that waste from the processing plant would be deposited into a specially designed basin lined with high-quality polyethylene, ensuring environmental protection for up to 70 years.
He noted that the chemicals in the wastewater would be recycled for reuse to preserve the natural nutrients in the soil.
Environmental Superintendent Mohamed Kamara highlighted the company’s commitment to safety and environmental preservation, including protecting local wildlife. “Workers and visitors are prohibited from harming animals on site. In case of encounters, an emergency number is provided for rescue,” he said.
He emphasized that the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce is of utmost priority to the Company with a mission to achieve ‘zero harm’ which underpins the company’s safety approach at every level of operations.
“All FG Gold employees are provided with requisite personal protection equipment. Since FG Gold’s ownership, the Project achieved a significant safety milestone with no lost time injuries,” Kamara said.
Riaan Van Der Walt, FG Gold’s Operations Readiness Director, outlined the company’s progress. Van Der Walt revealed that the gold reserves discovered in Baomahun are estimated at 2.05 million ounces, with potential for economic mining.
He added that FG Gold obtained its license in 2020, commenced visibility studies in 2022, and began infrastructure work in 2023.
The Manager Processing Plant, Seth Ahiaku emphasized that the company has implemented extensive operations to ensure long-term success. Key focus areas have been identified, and infrastructure development is ongoing.
Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Program Manager, Evelyn Gyamfi-Hassan, detailed FG Gold’s efforts to uplift the community. Projects include rehabilitating the local clinic, constructing St. Joseph Bakhita School, providing scholarships, and donating school supplies.
She added that the company has also constructed boreholes in Baomahun town and the catchment communities, raised awareness about breast cancer and supported community events such as football matches and International Women’s Day celebrations.
Additionally, she mentioned that FG Gold compensated community members affected by its operations.
“This includes payments to 150 farmers and 196 property owners for crops, buildings, and artisanal mining sites. Farmers also received seedlings for crops like rice, pepper, and groundnuts,” she said.
Gyamfi-Hassan noted that the driving school established by FG Gold has empowered 86 youth, with 45 completing training and 41 awaiting graduation.
Human Resource Superintendent, Amette Coker, said that FG Gold is committed to fostering the capacity and skills of Sierra Leonean nationals. Currently, the company’s workforce is primarily consisting of Sierra Leoneans, with nationals making up 89% of staff.
She added that during operations, the Project is expected to employ up to 800 staff to showcase its dedication to boosting the country’s economic development through job creation.
Coker cited that FG Gold is a proponent for gender diversity, with female employees consisting 19% of their workforce, holding leadership positions.
Town Chief of Baomahun, Joseph Kowa, commended FG Gold for fulfilling its promises to the community.
He expressed optimism that at the commencement of full-scale mining, the community will develop with the support of FG Gold.
The section chief and members of the land-owning families also commended the company for its support to the community and farmers in its drive to boost agriculture.
FG Gold remains committed to integrating environmental stewardship with community development while ensuring economic viability.