Leone Rock Metal Group Presents Le 5.7 Billion for Community Development and Surface Rent
In a monumental display of corporate responsibility, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) has presented a symbolic cheque of Le 5,766,470,121 to pay the Community Development Fund and Surface Rent to affected communities across ten (10) chiefdoms in Port Loko, Karene, Bombali, and Tonkolili Districts. The cheque presentation took place during a significant meeting at the Conference Hall in the Provincial Secretary’s office in Port Loko city. The amount also represents a 5% increase over the previously paid sum of Le 5,625,000,000 for the year 2024.
The ceremony underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling the terms of an agreement ratified by the Sierra Leone Parliament in 2023. It also highlighted LRMG’s dedication to maintaining a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with the communities impacted by its operations. The payment, which includes surface rent to landowners, symbolizes the company’s recognition of the crucial role these communities play in supporting the company’s activities.
The event was attended by a diverse group of stakeholders, including Chiefdom and Community Leaders, Honorable Members of Parliament, Government Ministers, key government officials, and most importantly, the main beneficiaries – the landowners. The atmosphere was charged with gratitude as participants expressed their appreciation for Leone Rock Metal Group’s consistent commitment to the well-being of the communities where they operate. The company’s reputation for trustworthiness and its policy of giving back to the communities from proceeds generated through its operations were widely commended.
The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives were particularly highlighted during the ceremony. The company’s commitment to these initiatives, including the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), has elevated Leone Rock Metal Group above other mining companies in Sierra Leone, as it continues to honor its promises to the communities.
Senior management officials from the company also attended the ceremony, offering assurances of continued support. Among those present were the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of LRMG, Mr. Salim Sillah, General Manager of KRP, Mr. Challie Chen, Manager of the Community and Security Department, Mr. Mohamed Turay, and Manager of the Compliance Department, Mr. Samuel Kamara. The managers reiterated the company’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the communities. They shared details of the various development projects initiated and supported by LRMG through its CDAP and CSR programs in the operational chiefdoms.
The keynote address was delivered by the Minister of Transport and Aviation, who also served as the guest speaker for the event. In his speech, the Minister emphasized the importance of using the surface rent funds wisely for the development of the respective communities. He also expressed concern over certain communities’ deliberate attempts to disrupt the operations of the company through unlawful strikes and demonstrations. These actions, he warned, were counterproductive and detrimental to both the company and the nation.
The Minister reminded the attendees that the Port and Rail infrastructure belongs to the Government of Sierra Leone, and any disruption to its operations directly harms the country’s revenue generation. He urged the communities and landowners to pursue peaceful dialogue as the primary method of resolving any grievances related to the company’s activities. His call for dialogue over conflict was met with general agreement from the attendees, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and mutual understanding in fostering continued growth and prosperity.
The event culminated with the symbolic presentation of the cheque to the landowners and community stakeholders, marking another significant milestone in Leone Rock Metal Group’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.
