December 20, 2021
The Parliament of Sierra Leone has on the 16/12/2021 debated and ratified two mining agreements geared towards the socio-economic development of the State.
The following agreements were ratified by Parliament:
1. Large scale mining agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Marampa Mines limited and
2. Third amendment to that certain agreement of November 20, 2021 by and between the Government of Sierra Leone and Sierra Rutile limited
Presenting the agreements prior to ratifications, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba said both agreements are good for the development of the state; adding that it is required by law for the ratification of these agreements to be approved by Parliament. He highlighted the benefits of these agreements towards the development of the national economy.
On the Rutile agreement, he said, the company had operated in the country for far too long and had generated revenue for the state and urged Parliament to ratified the agreement to help the company structures itself base on its financial challenges and investment.
The Leader of C4C in Parliament, Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina, who doubles as Chairman of Mines and Mineral Resources Committee in Parliament said the current Minister of Mines is a blessing to the people of Sierra Leone; citing his tremendous work accomplished in the mining sector. He praised the positive restructuring process of Marampa Mining Company and highlighted the duties and responsibilities expected from the mining company. On the Rutile agreement, he said it would enable government to receive benefits.
Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara said the expansion of the Marampa Mines is a blessing and noted that the private sector should be encouraged to operate and highlighted the huge capital benefits government and the people of Sierra Leone would derive; adding that Marampa Mines is a unique company in terms of its corporate social responsibility.
Hon. Alice Jebbeh Kumabeh commended the agreements and called on the House for ratifications, whilst referring to the Sierra Rutile Company as a “reliable” private company to be reckoned with.
Hon. Edward George commended the minister and the agreements, adding that, Sierra Rutile has been the oldest mining company in the country and acknowledged the contributions of the company towards the socio-economic development of the state.
Hon. Mustapha M. Sellu commended the work of Sierra Rutile towards the development of the state and appreciated the agreement for ‘saving the life of Sierra Rutile operations’ in the country and called for massive recruitments of Sierra Leoneans into top managerial positions of the company.
Hon. Chernor R.M. Bah commended both agreements and joined his colleagues MPs for the approval of the agreements and noted that, the interest of the state should be a priority.
Rounding up the debate, Acting Leader of the Opposition Hon. Ibrahim Ben Kargbo said the country needed investors to invest in the country and warned local chiefs not to infringe with the operation of these mining companies. He also said the agreements are not controversial, but urged Parliament to monitor the agreements.
Concluding the debate, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mathew Shar Nyuma supported both agreements and called for proper monitoring on these agreements for the interest of the state. He also said that, they were good agreements and called for continuous negotiation with these companies, whilst recognizing the important role of the Paramount Chiefs in the mining sector.