The Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, chaired by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, conducted a hearing on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Committee Room One, Parliament Building, Tower Hill, Freetown.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman outlined the constitutional mandate of Members of Parliament in tandem with the hearing. While commending President Bio’s regime for its huge mining impact, he referenced many recent progressive laws benefiting the nation. The Chairman stressed the need for an increment in surface rent and community development fund, amongst others. He explained Sections 7 ( 1a); 105 and 107 in light of the investigations, and others.

Dojo Mining Company told the committee that they have been on care and maintenance for nearly three years. However, the witnesses were not properly prepared for the Committee due to the failure to produce required documentation and were referred to another date.

Leone Rock Mining Company Representative Ibrahim Sesay and Abdul Rahman Jabbi, Senior Coordinator and Compliance Officer, highlighted the operationalization of the mining project in their presentation. In his presentation Abdul Rahman Jabbi spoke about the expansion of the project and incremental project production. He stated that they are mining iron ore with a concentrate grade of 62% to 67% and have developed a twelve million ton per annum capacity. He went on to explain the standard mining equipment at their processing plant and improvements in energy through solar power to increase production. The company’s mine design plans were also presented.

The annual production plan for 2025, with targets, was explained, and monthly production reports were submitted to the National Minerals Agency (NMA). Jabbi also spoke about recruitments and promotions of nationals, foreigners, and experts.

The total number of employees amounts to over six thousand. Community Development Agreement funds projects as enshrined in section 143 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022 including 1% of revenue, encompass several infrastructure projects such as health centers, multipurpose buildings, portable water, and scholarships to 3 Chiefdoms, with 70 beneficiaries per chiefdom. Community Development Action Plan projects included agriculture, amongst others.

The Committee observed that the Company portrayed the interests of the community and the state. Many compatriots are being employed in line with the local content policy.

However, there was a noted decline in employment in the last quarter. Questions were raised about the selection of beneficiaries for the scholarship and the value of same.

Members of Parliament asked for a mining closure plan and when Leone Rock would start production of steel, amongst other queries.

Responding to questions, the company clarified concerns. It was revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was enforcing progressive rehabilitation on mining operations.

Concerns were raised about the priority of Community Development Agreement projects, especially for bad road networks in operational host communities, following complaints lodged with authorities.