LRMG Fulfills Annual Surface Rent Obligations with NLe 1.8 Million Payment to Sambia and Dansogoia Chiefdoms
In a move that underscores its dedication to fostering sustainable development and supporting local communities, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) has made its annual surface rent payments to the Sambia and Dansogoia chiefdoms. The payments, which total NLe 1,801,038, were ceremoniously handed over to the respective chiefdoms, with NLe 1,005,448 allocated to Sambia and NLe 795,590 to Dansogoia. The payment ceremony, which took place in the presence of prominent figures, including members of parliament, paramount chiefs, LRMG staff, and local stakeholders, marked a significant moment for the communities benefiting from these funds.
The surface rent payments by LRMG are not merely a fulfillment of a legal obligation but a demonstration of the company’s commitment to uplifting the communities in which it operates. The funds are distributed in a manner that ensures the benefits reach those who need them most. According to the established agreement, landowners will receive 70% of the total payment, providing direct financial support to the families whose lands are being utilized for mining operations. The remaining 30% is evenly split between the paramount chief, the Constituency Development Fund, and the district council, each receiving 10%. This equitable distribution model ensures that the funds are used to enhance community development, infrastructure, and local governance.
During the ceremony, Paramount Chief ABY Koroma of Dansogoia Chiefdom expressed profound gratitude to LRMG, emphasizing the stark contrast between the company and previous mining operators in the region. He noted that while past companies had failed to meet their obligations fully, LRMG has consistently honored its commitments, providing much-needed financial support to the landowners and the broader community. Chief Koroma hailed this consistent support as a blessing for his township and his reign as paramount chief, highlighting the positive impact of the payments on the local economy and the well-being of his people.
The sentiment was echoed by Paramount Chief Alhaji BFK Jalloh from a neighboring chiefdom, who praised the significant change that the annual surface rent has brought to their community. Chief Jalloh recounted how, under previous mining agreements, the communities only received half of their entitled payments, leaving them underfunded and unable to complete essential community projects. However, with LRMG’s full and timely payment of the surface rent, the chiefdoms can now finance and promote a range of initiatives that directly benefit their people. These initiatives include infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other essential services that contribute to the overall improvement of living standards in the region.
LRMG’s approach to community relations goes beyond mere compliance with legal requirements; it is rooted in a deep understanding of the importance of giving back to society. The company has consistently demonstrated that meeting the demands and responding to the needs of the communities in which it operates is a priority. This commitment is reflected in the positive relationships it has cultivated with local stakeholders, who view LRMG not just as a mining company but as a partner in their development journey.
The significance of the surface rent payments extends beyond the immediate financial benefits. It represents a model of corporate social responsibility that other companies in the region and beyond could emulate. By ensuring that local communities are adequately compensated for the use of their land and that the funds are used to promote sustainable development, LRMG is contributing to a future where economic growth and community well-being go hand in hand.
The annual surface rent payments have also strengthened the trust and cooperation between LRMG and the local communities, paving the way for a long-term partnership that benefits all parties involved. As LRMG continues its operations in Sambia and Dansogoia, the positive impact of its contributions will likely be felt for generations, setting a precedent for responsible corporate behavior and community empowerment in Sierra Leone’s mining sector.
In conclusion, LRMG’s annual surface rent payments to the Sambia and Dansogoia chiefdoms are more than just a financial transaction; they are a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable development, community empowerment, and social responsibility. By prioritizing the needs of the local communities and ensuring that they share in the benefits of the mining operations, LRMG is helping to build a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Sambia, Dansogoia, and beyond.
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