By: James Kamara-Manneh
It was a moment of joy for staff and dignitaries as they witnessed the first successful shipment of Iron Ore transported by Leone Rock Metal’s Vessel MV LEONE FORTUNE yesterday from the shores of Sierra Leones.
The Large CAPE-size vessel operated by Leone Rock Metal Group, marked a significant milestone for Leone Rock Metal Group’s iron ore exportation with an expected estimate shipment of 8 million tons of iron ore annually.
Speaking at the brief programme, the deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral, Napoleon Koroma expressed delight to have witnessed the loading of iron ore onto the vessel Leone Fortune, purchased and owned by the Leone Rock Metal Company.
He revealed that this is the first time in the country`s 90-plus years of mining that an iron ore mining company has bought its own vessel to ship its own ore to the market.
“As agreed in the Mining Lease Agreement, the Leone Rock Metal Company has today demonstrated its commitment to transforming our mining sector. With its own vessel, it will help reduce transportation costs, shorten schedule time for vessels, and increase production. More production will lead to more export and more export will lead to more revenue for the benefit of our people,” Koroma said.
He called on other iron ore mining companies to follow similar trend to transform the mining sector for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.
The deputy general manager, Charlie Chen said such achievement does not only represent a significant milestone of LRMG but a pivotal moment to boosting the country’s economy. He stated that part of their vision is to contribute to the vision and growth of Sierra Leone while being an established force to reckon with in the mining industry.
“Today we stand before you not just as a company that have proven to be successful but as a symbol of determination, dedication, and a commitment to national growth,” Chen stated.
Chen said LRMG as an institution that means good for Sierra Leone will continue to create lots of positive impact that will benefit Sierra Leone’s economy, GDP and the creations of employments. To the lots, he said the company`s success directly contributed to the overall growth of this country’s economy, firstly by expanding on their operations, fostering economic developments and promoting stability. He described it “as not just a corporate success, but rather a national win”.
He called on other mining colleagues to join them on a journey of investing in the future of Sierra Leone and to be part of a striving ecosystem, as they are willing to open doors for collaboration, innovation and economic synergy.
He further described today’s event as a dawn of a new era, with regards LRMG unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone’s growth and prosperity, and creating a legacy for future generation to be proud of.
The Senior Technical adviser of the Maritime Administration, Adams Steven said international linkages to Sierra Leone have been a problem not just by sea but also by air. He said the cost of transporting cargo from Sierra Leone is costly and the schedules are not readily predictable.
Stevens expressed appreciation towards LRMG brilliant initiatives of being in charge of their own schedules as they can get their product to the market at their own time, and in charge of their own cost of operations.
He implored LRMG to speed up the transportation on mining aspect, reason being, that the LEONE FORTUNE is not just to benefit the Leone Rock rather Sierra Leone as a whole. Specifically, Steven said if they can help to import billycan into Sierra Leone by registering the Vessel as Sierra Leonean national carrier.
“On your way out take the iron ore and on your way in bring the iron ore that you export, like iron rods, cements, rice that Sierra Leone’s import”, he stated.
He pleaded with Leone Rock to do more for Sierra Leone in the near future.
However, the vessel’s specific mission is to ship the iron ore from Sierra Leone to China. The commencement of its maiden voyage signifies the group’s commitment to increasing production capacity and enhancing international competitiveness, contributing to the construction of a complete industrial chain of “production, transportation, and sales.”
The dignitaries were introduced by the Chief Technical Officer of Leone Rock Metal Group, Mr Salim Sillah and climaxed by inspection of the vessel and group photos.
