BY PROBLYN J ALPHA
In a significant development for the mining sector in Sierra Leone, Pan African Rare Metal Mining Limited has made a substantial surface rent payment of 2.3 billion old Leones to three chiefdoms in Kono District: Nimiyama, Nimikoro, and Sandor. This payment, witnessed by key stakeholders including the Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Committee in Parliament, honorable Saa Emerson Lamina, marks a crucial step in the company’s commitment to the local communities and government.
The presentation, held in the presence of representatives from the National Minerals Agency, beneficiary chiefdom authorities, Kono District Council, and members of Parliament, signifies a collaborative effort towards responsible mining practices and community development.
Speaking at the event, the project manager of Pan African Rare Metal Mining Limited, lng. Dr. David K Koroma, expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders for their trust in the company. Dr. Koroma reiterated the company’s dedication to ongoing exploration efforts and emphasized the importance of community support in their operations.
Of the 2.3 billion old Leones, seventy percent (70%) will directly benefit landowners, with paramount chiefs receiving ten percent (10%), and ten percent (10%) allocated to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). This allocation reflects the company’s commitment to equitable distribution of resources and fostering local development.
Honorable Saa Emerson Lamina, Chairman of the Mines and Minerals Committee, highlighted the government’s efforts in improving mining regulations to ensure community participation and benefit. Under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, there has been notable progress in the mining sector, with a clear focus on community empowerment and resource utilization.
Kai Lebbie, District Manager of the National Minerals Agency, emphasized the importance of surface rent payments in regulatory compliance and community livelihood support. He underscored the role of such payments in qualifying mining companies as large-scale mineral holders under the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022.
Paramount Chief Aiah Delton Bona of Nimikoro chiefdom expressed gratitude for the consistent support from Pan African Rare Metal Mining Limited. He affirmed the paramount chiefs’ continued support as stakeholders in the operational chiefdoms, recognizing the company’s sustained commitment to its promises.
The surface rent payment signifies a positive stride towards responsible mining practices and community engagement in Sierra Leone. As stakeholders collaborate, such initiatives are poised to drive sustainable development and mutual prosperity in mining regions.
