July 6, 2021
Marampa Mines Limited (MML) a subsidiary of an American company Gerald Group has exported its first shipment of iron ore from Sierra Leone. Saturday the company loaded 65% Fe iron ore concentrate at Delta One anchorage point at the port in Freetown.
This is the first shipment the company has done under the new deal with the Government of Sierra Leone. The export marks the restart of economic activity for the company and a revival of the mining sector in the country.
Chief Executive of Gerald Group who was present at the loading, Craig Dean said:
“Today marks the restart of iron ore shipments, and as we look to the future, all of us at MML and Gerald are excited about this 1st shipment in 2021 and as we progress to the re-opening of the mine once the mining license is issued in accordance with the applicable laws and the binding agreement. I would like to thank His Excellency Julius Maada Bio for the opportunity to settle all disagreements of the past, and his full support that allows our export operations to re-start in record time.”
Over the next few months the company said it will continue to export the stockpile of 707,000 metric tons of Marampa Blue iron ore out of the country.
The Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba who was also present at loading of the ore on the company’s Ocean-Going Vessel said this marks a major step in revamping the mines sector.
“This is a very good step, it signifies the commitment of His Excellency the President and the Gerald Group, which is the parent company of Marampa Mines…”
This shipment of the iron ore will see Sierra Leone government receive US$20 million in two tranches by the end of this year. Under the new deal which was reached in May this year, Gerald Group owns 90% of MML while the Government of Sierra Leone owns the remaining 10%. In addition, MML also gets what is known as the Marampa South and Marampa North mining concessions.
Mining operations in the Lunsar where the company is based is set to start in June this year. MML say the company will employ up to 1,400 people by the end of this year.
“The team is also working quickly and safely to resume iron ore mining and processing at the mine site, initially set for 2Mtpa capacity, rising to 3.25Mtpa within 12 months, creating in the process over 1,400 jobs and a workforce with over 90% local employees and contractors this year,” the company said in a statement on Sunday evening