By Politico staff writer
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, in the Parliament of Sierra Leone, Saa Emerson Lamina, who also doubles as the leader of the Coalition 4 Change (C4C) in Parliament, has urged miners to act diligently in their mining activities together with all the mines and minerals laws of the country.
He said, if they act with due diligence in their mining activities, the government would improve on the already created enabling environment for them.
The Leader of C4C made this statement during a serial oversight visit to Sierramin Bauxite and Leone Rock mining companies.
In a brief meeting with Sierramin, the Chairman in his opening statement spoke about the mandate of the committee and asked the miners to elucidate on how they can help to diversify the economy and what guarantees they can give as well.
Senesie Rogers who spoke on behalf of Sierramin’s management expressed appreciation for the step taken by the oversight committee. He said they have over 400 staff amounting to 99% Sierra Leoneans.
He affirmed in terms of current status that they have the technical capacity, manpower, and other requisite capacities to continue with their operations. He assured that they have got investors who are ready to finance the company.
"The company now had the financial capacity to mine," he said.
Rogers went on to say that, they have the database and all other requirements that would facilitate their mining operations and noted that had it not been for the termination of their license, they would have started exporting.
He assured the committee that the company will continue to give support to the community, and noted that, they are still paying surface rent irrespective of the termination of their license.
The Sierramin’s representative pleaded with the government to assist them to remove their license termination, considering the current economic situation and their good relationship with the community.
"If they give us our license, we would commence mining and exporting in 6 months," he said.
The committee also extended their visit to Leone Rock, a subsidiary company of Kingho Mining, where they reportedly noted some transformation at the Pepel Port and rail facilities.
The Mines and Mineral Resources Chairman emphasized that the rail and port are properties of the Sierra Leone Government. He assured the management of Leone Rock that, whilst critically considering the exclusivity aspect of the Mining Lease Agreement (MLA) guiding rail and port, it behooves all for a strategic partnership for expansion to diversify the economy of Sierra Leone.
He re-echoed communication, participation, and good community relation as the key to development.
Officials of the company highlighted the company’s achievements and development plans including the expansion of the rail and port, construction of a processing plant, and skill development amongst others.
They said the company has been challenged by the weather, the downward trend in the world price market, a low-quality grade in the iron ore, and a hike in fuel price.
The Mines and Mineral Resources Committee in Parliament is tasked with the responsibility of supervising all mining companies and their activities in the country.
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