By: Saidu Jalloh
Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) held a comprehensive stakeholder engagement meeting in Magburaka, Tonkolili district, to promote transparency and accountability. This initiative was in direct response to the call made by the Honorable Speaker of Parliament, Segepoh Solomon Thomas, emphasizing the importance of including members of parliament in the decision-making processes of mining activities, project implementation, and other relevant affairs.
The meeting gathered a diverse range of participants, including ten members of parliament, the resident minister, the former minister of foreign affairs, twelve paramount chiefs, a brigade commander, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for the region, representatives from civil society, bike riders, media personnel, other ministers, youth, market women, disabled individuals, the chairperson of the Tonkolili district council, councilors from LRMG’s operational communities, and the regional manager of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), among many local leaders. This assembly underscored the commitment of LRMG to engage with various stakeholders and promote unity across the district, which has been designated as a single constituency under the Proportional Representation (PR) system of government.
During the meeting, LRMG took the opportunity to update stakeholders on its operations, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Community Development Agreements (CDA), and Community Development Action Plans (CDAP), while also addressing the challenges faced by the company. In return, stakeholders articulated their expectations and aspirations, fostering a dialogue aimed at achieving mutual benefits.
LRMG’s corporate culture, characterized by the principles of Sharing, Respect, Cooperation, and Progress, was prominently displayed throughout the engagement. This ethos not only enhances mutual understanding but also cultivates collaborative relationships with the community. As Kamathor Sesay, LRMG’s Community and Security Manager, highlighted, “LRMG’s CEO, Gilbert Zhao, is committed to establishing a win-win system for all, which is why we continuously engage with the community to identify both problems and solutions.”
The positive feedback from the stakeholders exemplifies the effectiveness of LRMG’s approach. Community leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the company, commending the respect and consideration demonstrated by LRMG. They further pledged their support for the company’s development-oriented initiatives, reinforcing the sentiment that such partnerships are crucial for the progress of the community, the company, and the country as a whole.
This stakeholder engagement meeting marks a significant step towards building a more inclusive, respectful, and cooperative framework that benefits all parties involved. It ultimately reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices and community development in the Tonkolili district.
