By: Mohamed M. Sesay
Honourable Members of the Fifth and final Session of the Fifth Parliament of the Second Republic of Sierra Leone, have on the 22nd of June 2022, unanimously ratified the Kingho Mining Lease Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Kingho Mining Company.
Elucidating the importance of the Agreement, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba intimated that the Government of Sierra Leone joined an agreement with the company in 2020. He recalled the viable mining activities in the company host community by past companies. He said in 2020, Kingho had vested the opportunity to operate in Tonkolili and underscored that in January this year, President Bio constituted a negotiation committee which precipitated the agreement for the interest of the state.
Timothy Kabba also assured Members of Parliament that the Agreement would serve the interest of the people adding that, the company is mining the lowest grade. He further stated that the agreement would also address the many challenges surrounding Tonkolili iron ore. He spoke about the company’s compliance with Community Development Fund and other related matters which are also contained in the agreement. He reiterated by giving an indelible assurance to Members of Parliament that the agreement would equally serve the intended purposes for the good and development of Sierra Leone.
On his part, the Chairman of the Mines Committee in Parliament who also doubles as the Leader of C4C, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina said the agreement is in the interest of Sierra Leone adding that the success of the minister cannot be underestimated, citing indicators.
Hon. Emerson Lamina highlighted successes relating to mining activities by the minister, in light of the payment of one per cent CDA to the community, by the host company. The chairman also recalled the bad mining activities in past and informed us that the current system has improved in that sector. He also commended the Minister for the good laws over the mining sector among others.
On his part, Hon. Edward George thanked the Minister for ratifying a good mining agreement, especially in his home district of Moyamba and used the opportunity to thank the minister for creating a clause that protects the employment of locals. He recalled the bad memories in the past when mining companies were employing foreigners in positions where locals were competent as well.
He appealed to the minister to ensure the protection of compatriots is highly guaranteed.
Hon. Sorieba Turay described the agreement as a “very fine document”, and went on to commend the Minister and Chairman of the Mines Committee. He commended the company for its Corporate Social Responsibility, job creation, and the plan by the company to construct an iron ore melting plant in his constituency.
Rounding up the debate, Acting Leader of Opposition Hon. Hassan Sesay recalled that they should have ratified the agreement long before now because the agreement is people-centred. He added that they are always supportive of approving a mining agreement that would benefit the people and government of Sierra Leone.
He said the document was not bad as it relates to the development aspiration of the country.
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon. Bashiru Silikie advised the minister to follow up on the agreement and ask the Mines and Mineral Committee to do robust oversight.
