By Alhaji Haruna Sani
Marampa Mines Limited (MML) marked a historic milestone on Friday, January 24, by handing over a symbolic cheque of $3.7 million, (NLe 83.7 million), to President Bio on behalf of the people of Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms.
The amount represents the 1% Community Development Fund (CDF) payment for the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, exceeding the previous 2021 and 2022 fiscal years payment of $1.7M, demonstrating the company’s commitment to empowering host communities through direct investments in local development.
The event, held in Port Loko District, also featured the commissioning of MML’s expanded production capacity, increasing output to an impressive 3.75 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore annually. The expansion underscores Sierra Leone’s potential to attract and sustain substantial foreign investment.
In his keynote address, President Bio expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and staff of Marampa Mines Limited for their investments and for prioritizing corporate social responsibility. He emphasized the significance of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) as a landmark achievement negotiated by his administration to ensure that communities directly benefit from Sierra Leone’s natural resources.
“I am here to hand over the dummy cheque of $3.7 million, equivalent to over NLe 83 million, as payments for the 2023 and 2024 CDA fund to the people. These payments are intended to directly enhance the development and well-being of the local communities, reflecting my government’s shared commitment to equitable and inclusive development,” President Bio said.
The President highlighted the transformative role of human capital development, particularly skills training, in equipping young people with the competencies needed to thrive in the workforce. He praised the collaboration between the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, paramount chiefs, and local authorities, urging them to maintain oversight to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Madam Patricia Nikolopoulos, Chief Financial Officer of Gerald Metals, delivered a statement on behalf of Craig Dean, CEO of MML. She celebrated the company’s remarkable progress since its restart in 2021.
“Three years ago, we embarked on an ambitious journey at Marampa Mines, and what we’ve achieved since then is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite global challenges like fluctuating iron ore prices and shifting demand, we invested over $200 million in state-of-the-art equipment, including a gyrating crusher, a SAG mill, and an expanded power plant to boost production capacity and fulfill our promises to Sierra Leone and its people,” she said.
Madam Nikolopoulos reaffirmed MML’s commitment to sustainable development, expressing optimism about the future. “The expansion to 3.75 million tonnes per year of high-grade iron ore and the presentation of our 2023 and 2024 CDA reflect the hard work, dedication, and partnership that have brought us and the government together. We remain committed to ensuring sustainable development for Sierra Leone and its people.”
She projected a bold vision for the company, aiming to achieve production targets of 5 million tonnes in the next two years and up to 20 million tonnes annually in the future.
Fred Lotti, Chief Operating Officer of MML, highlighted the company’s rapid growth, technical breakthroughs, and contributions to the local community. “Within a short period, we have expanded production from 2 million tonnes to 3.75 million tonnes annually and extended the mine life to 100 years. These milestones are a testament to the hard work and innovation of our team,” he stated.
Lotti also emphasized MML’s commitment to gender diversity, with women comprising over 30% of its workforce which also comprise of over 90% of Sierra Leoneans. He noted that the company has achieved a 100% crystallization of Marampa iron ore, an advanced technical breakthrough unmatched in nearly a century of mining in Sierra Leone.
Professor Shekh Umar Kamarah, MML’s Director of Community Relations, called for sustainable electricity for host communities, emphasizing its importance for development. He lauded the community’s ownership of the mining project and highlighted tangible benefits from the previous CDF, including scholarships for 626 students nationwide.
Community leaders expressed their gratitude for the government’s role in ensuring MML honored its commitments, emphasizing the fund’s impact on addressing local needs such as education and healthcare.
The U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone and the U.K. High Commissioner, Bryn David Hunt and Josephine Gauld, commended MML for fostering global partnerships and positively impacting Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Hunt underscored the shared values that unite Sierra Leone and U.S., emphasizing how MML’s investments promote sustainable development and mutual prosperity. “Marampa Mines exemplifies how collaboration between countries can drive economic growth and create opportunities for communities. The U.S. remains committed to supporting ventures that prioritize equitable development and environmental sustainability.”
High Commissioner Gauld echoed similarsentiments, highlighting the company’s role in strengthening international friendships. “Marampa Mines’ achievements showcase the best of Sierra Leone’s potential. The shared benefits among Sierra Leone, the U.K. are a testament to the power of partnership. We are proud to witness this milestone and the transformative impact it has on the country and its people,” she said.
The event marked a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s mining sector, demonstrating how partnerships between government, investors, and communities can drive inclusive growth and sustainable development.
