The Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), fully owned by the Government of Sierra Leone, has signed land lease agreements with three chiefdoms Diang, Sambaia Bendugu, and Dansogoia to manage the Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposits located within their territories.
A high-level government delegation, led by Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, included the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina; Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor; Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senesie; Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh; Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru; Chairman of the Mines Committee in Parliament, Hon. Emerson Lamina; and Solicitor General Robert Kowa. This delegation engaged with the three chiefdoms to finalize the land lease agreements for the Kasafoni iron ore project.
The lease agreement is valid for 49 years, with an option to renew for an additional 25 years. The annual surface rent is $76,000 (approximately NLe 1,824,000), with rent reviews every 5 years. The chiefdom will benefit from infrastructure improvements including roads, schools, hospitals, and other social amenities. Any additional provisions will require direct engagement with the people of Diang Chiefdom.
A redress mechanism is in place: disputes must be resolved within 14 days; if unresolved, an additional 14 days with external assistance will be provided; if still unresolved, arbitration involving both parties and an independent third party will take place. Residents of Diang Chiefdom will be given employment opportunities in the mines.
The lease agreement spans 49 years with a renewal option for 25 years.Annual surface rent is $118,000 (approximately NLe 2,832,000), subject to review every 5 years with assurance of upward adjustments. The chiefdom will receive improvements in roads, railways, schools, hospitals, water, and electricity. Preference for job opportunities will be given to residents of Sambaia Bendugu.
Dansogoia Chiefdom covers just 3% of the Kasafoni Iron Ore concession. It will receive an annual surface rent of $6,000, under similar terms and conditions as the other agreements.
Landowners in all three chiefdoms expressed their consent through signing the agreements and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for this significant development.
