This notice serves to inform interested and/or affected persons/parties (I&APs) about the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) on the Installation of Sierra Mineral Holdings I Limited’s Washing Plant and Drying Plant, and Construction of Tailings Storage Facilities in the Lower Banta and Dasse chiefdoms in Moyamba district.
Sierra Mineral Holdings I Limited (SMHL) started operations in Sierra Leone in 2005 and is currently the largest operational bauxite mine in the country producing 1.5 million tons of washed bauxite per year. The company currently has a washing plant with a capacity of 300t/hr in Gondama, harbour facilities in Nitti, and a residential camp in Matta. The planned project activities in the Mokanji Township, covering 1,343 hectares of land include the installation of a Washing Processing Plant and the Construction of In-valley-built tailings storage facilities
In compliance with the laws of Sierra Leone, the project needs to be carried out in a manner that minimizes the potential negative social and environmental impacts and maximizes the benefits. This can be achieved through the ESIA Process which the consultant, CEMMATS Group Ltd. (CEMMATS), an experienced Environmental and Engineering consultancy with vast experience in conducting similar studies in various sectors locally and internationally, has undertaken.
This ESIA is now at the stage where the results need to be presented to interested and/or affected persons/parties for discussion and finalization. The reports submitted to the Environment Protection Agency – Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) are to be presented to interested and affected persons at public consultation and disclosure workshops at the Kunya Club Hall Mokanji Town, Lower Banta Chiefdom on Tuesday 20th August 2024.
The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study was reported in two volumes titled:
- Volume 1 –The Executive Summary and Main Report
- Volume 2– Environmental and Social Management Plan
The reports are now available for reference purposes at the following locations:
- The Environment Protection Agency – Sierra Leone (EPA-SL) office, 38 Freetown Road, Wilberforce, Freetown;
- CEMMATS Group Ltd.at 7A Cantonment Road, Beyoh House, off King Harman Road, Brookfields, Freetown;
- Sierra Leone Library Board, Rokel Street, Freetown.
- CDC Complex, Mosenesie Junction, Lower Banta Chiefdom, Moyamba District
The General public and other key stakeholders are hereby invited to participate in the consultation process for this project. Your input and any issues or insights regarding the project will be valuable in the specialist investigations. Comments can be submitted verbally at the stakeholders’ workshop or in written format prior to the workshops. Written comments can be sent to CEMMATS Group Ltd, 7A Cantonment Road, off King Harman Road, Freetown or via email to the addresses provided below. We look forward to your participation in the consultation and disclosure process.
Consultant: CEMMATS Group Ltd. Contact: Environmental Department
Tel: 00232-76-656-126
Email: admin@cemmatssl.com
Project Proponent: Sierra Mineral Holdings 1 Limited (VIMETCO)
Tel: +23278619650
Email: Sidi TURAY – sturay@sierramineral.com