By Alusine Sesay
In a landmark event for Sierra Leone’s mining sector, Leone Rock Metal Group has on April 15th, officially disbursed Le62,214,818 as the 4th Community Development Agreement (CDA) Fund payment to landowners and mining communities in Tonkolili District.
The company has also completed Phase 1 of its 30 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) Magnetite Processing Plant and The dual event, held in the heart of the mining district, brought together key national and international stakeholders, including President Bio, the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Wang Qing, ministers, members of parliament, paramount chiefs, local leaders, and community residents.
Beginning his remarks by acknowledging dignitaries – including government ministers, parliamentarians, and corporate leaders, the President noted, “I have the honour of handing over a dummy check today to the people of Tonkolili.” He explained that this symbolic gesture marked one of many positive developments in the region.
When Leone Rock commenced operations in 2021, the focus was on exporting 57% un-beneficiated ore via Direct Shipping. However, a transformation began in 2024 with the commissioning of a 12-million-tonnes-per-annum processing plant producing a 62% grade of iron ore concentrate.
“Today, in addition to handing over a dummy check, we are commissioning a 10-million-tonnes-per-annum processing plant designed to produce over 65% grade concentrate,” President Bio declared. He stressed, “The higher the grade, the greater the in-country value addition. Next time, we will deliver even better results and that means higher royalties and more substantial Community Development Agreement (CDA) payments.”
The President emphasized that mining in Sierra Leone has a history spanning nearly a century in which local communities seldom benefitted. “This did not happen in a vacuum. It is intentional and deliberate,” he said. Praising the leadership and performance of Leone Rock Metal Group which, despite early doubts regarding its capacity, has exceeded expectations, he noted that the company now employs over 7,000 Sierra Leoneans. “I put my reputation on the line, and they have performed above expectation.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Julius Mattai, praised President Bio for his bold leadership in transforming the mining sector into a more inclusive and accountable engine of growth.
“Under President Bio’s leadership, we’ve witnessed progressive reforms that ensure communities directly benefit from the wealth beneath their feet,” Minister Mattai said. “The increase of the CDA fund to 1% of mining revenue and its transparent disbursement is setting a new benchmark for Africa.”
In his remarks, Gilbert Zhao, CEO of Leone Rock Metal Group, described the occasion as “a national milestone,” emphasizing that the newly commissioned plant – the first of its kind in Sierra Leone – marks the beginning of the country’s journey toward industrial benefaction.
“This is not just a company achievement. This is a symbol of Sierra Leone’s readiness to move from raw material exports to value-added production,” Zhao said. “We are grateful for the peace, policy clarity, and investment climate provided by the government.”
Zhao revealed that the company now employs over 9,200 workers, over 90% of whom are Sierra Leoneans, and is committed to deepening its local content policy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Paramount Chief Bockarie Yelen Koroma III of Dansogoia Chiefdom praised the President’s efforts, saying: “Today, our communities are truly enjoying the benefits of mining, thanks to President Bio’s vision. We’ve seen schools, health centres, and roads emerge through CDA funding.”
Hon. Emerson Lamina, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, stressed the importance of ongoing legislative oversight to ensure transparency and accountability in CDA implementation.
“The CDA is not just a payment; it is a lifeline for communities. We must ensure every Leone is spent for the people’s good,” he remarked.
The event also highlighted the continued partnership between Sierra Leone and China. The presence of Ambassador Wang Qing underscored the importance of Chinese investment in Sierra Leone’s resource-driven development.
“This is a shining example of international cooperation. We thank the People’s Republic of China for their unwavering support,” said Zhao.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, the company has sponsored Sierra Leone’s largest football tournament; awarded scholarships to promising students; built community health centers; empowered women through agriculture and business support; and promoted local entrepreneurship through its Local Content Policy.
Minister Mattai concluded with a call to all stakeholders – government, companies, chiefs, and citizens – to work together.
“Let us break silos. Let us ensure that every community member sees the benefit of the mineral wealth around them. Let today be a clarion call for shared responsibility.”
Elsewhere, as Phase 1 of the 30 MTPA processing plant ends, all eyes now turn to Phase 2, with optimism for more jobs, infrastructure, and sustainable development.
