By Sallieu S. Kanu
On January 24, 2025, Marampa Mines will officially present its 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund (CDF) and commission its expansion to 3.75 million tonnes per year of high-grade iron ore production, the company announced in a statement on Monday.
Expansion of Production Capacity
Marampa Mines and the Gerald Group, its owner, have successfully completed their largest-ever investment, increasing iron ore production capacity to 3.75 million tonnes per year. This expansion not only represents a leap in operational scale but also reinforces Marampa’s leadership in sustainable mining practices, the company noted.
Pioneering Sustainable Mining Practices
The expansion introduces advanced technologies, including a cyclone deposition system for tailings management, enabling dry stacking. This innovation, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, significantly enhances safety and sets new benchmarks for environmentally responsible mining. The expansion also allows Marampa to process a diverse range of ore types, ensuring 100 years of continuous operation. This extended mine life, combined with optimized workflows and improved economies of scale, positions Marampa to thrive through market fluctuations.
Commitment to Community Development
In line with its Mining Lease Agreement (MLA) and Community Development Agreement (CDA), Marampa Mines will present its Community Development Fund (CDF) on January 24, allocating 1% of its Free-on-Board revenue to support local development initiatives. The Fund will focus on education, health, economic development, and environmental sustainability within the host communities of Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms. The CDF represents the largest single donation from any mining company in Sierra Leone’s history, underscoring Marampa’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of the communities surrounding its operations.
A New Era for Marampa Mines
The successful expansion is a testament to Marampa Mines’ commitment to both operational excellence and environmental stewardship. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and optimizing its resource extraction methods, Marampa will not only produce high-grade iron ore but also set a new standard for mining operations globally. The expansion includes the introduction of hard rock mining at Marampa, enabling the production of a premium product, which will further strengthen the Marampa Blue brand in the international market.
“On January 24, we will officially launch the Community Development Fund and celebrate the successful commissioning of our expanded mine,” said Craig Dean, Executive Chairman and CEO of Marampa Mines Limited. “This is a major milestone for Marampa Mines, one that strengthens both our operational capabilities and our commitment to creating lasting value for the communities that support us.”
The Community Development Fund (CDF) is managed by the Community Development Committee (CDC) and the CDC Steering Committee, which is composed of representatives from both the Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms as well as Marampa Mines Limited (MML). The CDC Steering Committee has full autonomy to decide which projects to undertake, ensuring they address the most pressing needs of the local communities. Marampa Mines works in conjunction with the CDC to ensure that all funded initiatives are sustainable and impactful.
“We believe that by investing in the communities that host us, we can create positive, long-term change,” added Craig Dean. “The presentation of the 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund represents MML’s continued commitment and its ongoing partnership with the local communities. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of our success are shared by everyone who lives alongside our operations.”