By: Aminata Sesay
Leone Rock Mining Company appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Committee Room One, Tower Hill, Freetown, to provide updates on its operations and community development efforts. The hearing was chaired by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina as part of the Committee’s ongoing oversight of mining activities across Sierra Leone.
Representing the company were Senior Coordinator Ibrahim Sesay and Compliance Officer Abdul Rahman Jabbi, who delivered a comprehensive briefing on Leone Rock’s mining activities, production achievements, and community obligations.
Jabbi stated that the company is currently extracting iron ore with a concentrate grade ranging between 62% and 67%, and has achieved a processing capacity of 12 million tons per annum. He noted significant operational improvements, including the integration of solar power at the processing plant to increase energy efficiency and boost output.
The company also shared its 2025 Annual Production Plan and confirmed the regular submission of monthly production reports to the National Minerals Agency (NMA). Detailed mine design plans and technical specifications of key equipment were presented to the Committee.
Leone Rock reported employing over 6,000 workers, including nationals, foreign experts, and contractors. Jabbi emphasized the company’s adherence to local content policies, highlighting efforts to recruit, train, and promote Sierra Leoneans within the organization.
However, Members of Parliament raised concerns about a decline in employment figures during the last quarter and requested an explanation from the company representatives.
A key focus of Leone Rock’s presentation was its Community Development Agreement (CDA), in accordance with Section 143 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022. Jabbi explained that 1% of the company’s revenue is allocated to support development initiatives across three host chiefdoms. Community projects funded through the CDA include: Construction of health centers and multipurpose building, development of water facilities, provision of scholarships to 70 students per chiefdom and support for local agricultural programs under the Community Development Action Plan.
Despite these contributions, MPs expressed concerns about the prioritization of community projects, especially regarding the poor condition of roads in host areas. They also questioned the transparency of scholarship selection criteria and the impact on recipients.
In response to inquiries, company officials reaffirmed ongoing collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on progressive land rehabilitation and acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive mine closure plan.
Leone Rock also disclosed that plans for steel production in Sierra Leone are under serious consideration, which could further enhance value addition within the sector.
While the Committee commended Leone Rock for its alignment with national development goals and community welfare, it urged the company to be more transparent and responsive to local concerns. The session ended with a call for continued collaboration and stronger parliamentary oversight to ensure mining operations deliver maximum benefit to both the state and the citizens.