By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In a groundbreaking event marking significant milestones in the mining sector, H.E Julius Maada Bio President of Sierra Leone has on Friday 24th January 2024 officially commissioned a major expansion project for Marampa Mines (MML) and received one of the largest donation as Community Development Fund (CDF) of 3.7 million United States Dollars.
The event convened at the Marampa Mines site, Lunsar, comprised of two crucial events – the successful commissioning of the expansion of 3.75 million tonnes per year of high-grade iron ore, and the presentation of a cheque of 3.7 million United States Dollars as Community Development Fund for 2023 and 2024 on behalf of Marampa and Mafoki Chiefdoms
Giving important highlights of the event and the company, the CEO of Marampa Mines represented by madam Patricia Nikolopolus, the Chief Financial Officer of Gerald Group – the parent body of MML, first off expressed her excitement for flying to Sierra Leone for the very first time to witness the milestones event. She appreciated the people of Sierra Leone and President Bio for the incredible support towards Marampa Mines. Madam Patricia said despite 2024 was a year of challenges, but expressed that they were able to overcome and thrive in the face of those obstacles.
“Prices fluctuate, demand shifts. Yet, despite these uncertainties, we made the decision to invest over $200 million into state-of-the-art equipment, including a gyrating crusher, a Sag Mill and an expanded power plant,” madam Patricia noted as she assured that they would deliver on the promise they made to Sierra Leone, their partners and their communities.
CFO Patricia Nikolopolus strongly assured that the expansion to 3.75 million tonnes per year was not just about scaling up operations but also prioritizing sustainability and responsibility with advanced technologies. She added that they have also positioned themselves for at least 100 years of continues operation, securing a worthwhile future for Marampa Mines and Sierra Leone.
“We believe in shared prosperity. That’s why we are here to present our 1% revenue for 2023 and 2024 for the Community Development Fund,” she expressed, adding that they are now looking forward to start producing 5, 10 and even 20 million tonnes per annual which she affirmed to be possible with the support of Gerald Group and Marampa team.
The Director of Community Relations at Marampa Mines, Prof. Sheik Umar Kamara, who is also a native of Marampa expressed on the good relationship Marampa Mines company has with the communities of Marampa and Mafoki, saying it is healthy and build on mutual respect and benefit.
He conveyed a message from the people of the two communities and the company over their high desire for electricity, saying sustainable development is in tandem with sustainable and efficient energy. As the company has been very helpful in the development of the communities, he equally urged the people in the communities to own the company, protect its equipment and contribute in the company’s progress.
During the event, a short video was displayed practically showcasing some of the direct benefits the community and its people have been deriving from the Marampa Mines company. In the video, young people were sharing testimonies of some of the benefits they have been receiving in form of university scholarships, life-changing jobs and some infrastructural developments. At the end of the video, the people appreciated Marampa Mines company and wished for its long existence so they would continue to receive more benefits and developments.
As the keynote speaker, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio delivered an appreciating and inspiring address at the presentation and commissioning event. President Bio thanked the Management of Marampa Mines for choosing to invest and work in Sierra Leone. “As a result of this investment, I am here today to lunch the M3.75 expansion project and to handover a cheque of the Community Development Fund to the community people,” President Bio reaffirmed the purpose of the event and continued to thank the Minister of Mines, Resident Minister, Paramount Chief and the community people.
H.E President Bio stated that the company needs the good will of the people to thrive, and the people in the same way need the company for help and to support community development projects. President Bio appreciated the good standing symbiotic relationship that had been in existence with the two as he commended the company for the university scholarships, vocational trainings and life-changing jobs provided to the locals. H.E. Bio specially acknowledged the company’s effort in employing more Sierra Leonean young women, even exceeding the 30% quota.
Zooming on the aspirations of the company going forward, President Bio assured his Government commitment in supporting Marampa Mines company. Having looked at the outstanding projects the company set to offer to the communities, he affirmed that Lunsar would be brighter than Freetown in days to come. He lauded the CDF of 3.7 million United States Dollars donated to the communities, and assured that “the money was not for the development of any single individual or political party but for the Marampa and Mafoki communities.” He urged the locals to protect and support MML.
The U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone and the U.K High Commissioner to Sierra Leone also contributed with appreciating statements to the company. They both commended the company for its responsible mining and shared prosperity initiative.
The U.S Ambassador stated that the good relationship between the company and locals would continue to strengthen the strong relationship between Sierra Leone and the United States. The U.K. High Commissioner also commended the 100 years lifespan of the company as she noted that the locals and the company stand to benefit a lot.
The event was concluded with the official presentation of the 3.7 million U.S. dollars cheque to the President on behalf of the locals. A tour was also conducted to the sites where some highly needed advanced technological equipment such as Sag Mill, Crusher and others were introduced to the President and the stakeholders. At the site President Bio commissioned the M3.75, marking the start of operations for high-grade iron ore.
The 3.7 million United States Dollars is summed up to Le 83,700,000 New Leones or Le 83,700,000,000 old Leones.
