By: Mohamed M. Sesay
Without a minute controversy, Members of Parliament have on the 8th December 2022, expeditiously ratified a Large Scale License Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and FG Gold limited which has its project location at the Valunya Chiefdom, in Bo District.
Addressing Members of Parliament, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Timothy Kabba, objectified that the reason for ratifying such agreement is to promote Industrial Mining on a Large Scale Mining. He assured that the company has demonstrated a willingness to operate in Sierra Leone by providing surface rent, health, and school construction for the valuyuna chiefdom in the Bo district
The Minister also assured Members of Parliament that 3.28 million houses of Gold are projected for large-scale mining in that area. He said the government is expected to benefit over 12 million US annually from the mining company.
In her contribution to the debate Hon. Rebecca Y. Koroma said before becoming an MP, she said she was civil society activities championing the right and benefits of people from the mining sector. She highlighted the role of civil society organizations in the improvement and advocacy of the people in those mining areas. She praised the mining Company for doing the needful before Parliament’s notification of their agreement. She called on the Mining Company to employ youth that are in that community.
As the Host Member of Parliament for the Mining Company, Hon. Bash Kamara, expressed that much has not been done in the past years by mining companies operating in that area. He however, lavished praises on the recent agreement between the government and FG Gold. He also highlighted the numerous benefits so far done by the mining company even before operational activities relative; to surface rent construction of schools, health centers, and scholarships.
Hon. Amadu Kanu said he is in support of the agreement as the agreement is in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone. He also encouraged the Minister to effect procedures of insurance which matters towards the mining sector.
Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon Dickson Rogers said the agreement is non-controversial and it geared toward the development of locals and the country. He congratulated the mining company and the minister in charge of mines for doing good work for the State.
Rounding update the debate, Opposition Leader Hon Chernor RM Bah said he had the opportunity of reading out the documents which are part of the constitutional mandate of Parliament. He said when a mining company is coming in the rules and procedures would be consistent with other agreements and expressed his endorsement for the ratification of the agreement
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon Bashiru Silikie said the agreement would benefit the people of Sierra Leone, relative to employment, tax revenue for the government, and other related development matters for the country and chiefdom. The Acting Leader praised the agreement and called for monitoring and proper implementation of the mining sector.