Residents of Yoni Mabanta Chiefdom in Tonkolili District have strongly warned Westfield Mining Company Ltd to desist from engaging in large-scale mining operations on their lands, citing concerns over the potential negative impacts on their environment and livelihoods.

The warning was issued during separate meetings held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in different locations around the chiefdom, including Magbafth, Robarie, Makeni Roke Fullah, and other areas. The meetings were attended by land-owning families, farmers, local authorities, women, youth groups, ceremonial chiefs and local leaders.

The engagements were in response to the company’s announcement of its intention to conduct bauxite mining in the area, which was made during a recent Chiefdom meeting headed by Paramount Chief Fullamasa Gbabereh in Roruks.

However, the community has made it clear that they are not interested in mining on their lands, citing the importance of farming to their livelihoods.

“We have made our position very clear that we are not interested in mining, and any attempt to impose mining on our lands will be resisted,” said David Sam Kamara, a member of the Concerned Yoni Mabanta Chiefdom pressure group.

Mohamed E. J Kargbo, a civil society activist from the community, highlighted the negative impacts of mining and reiterated the community’s position regarding the proposed mining activities.

“We are not going to allow our lands to be destroyed by mining activities,” he boldly stressed.

The residents have warned that anyone who accepts money or gifts from the company regarding the mining activities will be doing so at their own risk. The community is preparing a petition to be presented to the Paramount Chief, the Tonkolili District Council and relevant authorities and government agencies, outlining their concerns and objections to the mining activities.

The petition will address the negative impacts of the mining operations on the community and urged the government not to issue licenses to the Westfield Company for any mining activities on their lands.

The community has also called on the company to remove machines that have been brought into some villages without consent.

The meetings demonstrated the community’s united stance against the proposed mining activities, with all sections and groups represented agreeing to resist any attempt to impose mining on their lands.

The residents are determined to protect their lands and livelihoods and are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that their concerns are heard and addressed.

The Concerned Yoni Chiefdom pressure group has urged the government to respect the community’s position and prioritizes their interests over those of the mining company. The group has also called on the government to investigate the company’s activities in the chiefdom and take action to prevent any further unauthorized activities.

The community’s stance against the proposed mining activities is a testament to their commitment to protecting their environment and livelihoods. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the government and the mining company will respond to the community’s concerns.

The company and the Chiefdom Council have not responded to the community’s concerns