Moyamba/Bonthe, Sierra Leone – June 11, 2026– Nearly 200 employees of Bale Logistics are expected to lose their jobs this month after the company announced a workforce reduction triggered by a scaling down of mining operations by its principal contractor, Sierra Rutile Limited.
The announcement was made during a meeting attended by company management, workers, and officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security.
Speaking at the meeting, Bale Logistics Program Manager, Ransford Akrah, said the company had been forced to take the difficult decision following a significant reduction in operational activities linked to Sierra Rutile’s recent downsizing.
According to Akrah, Bale Logistics serves as a direct contract miner for Sierra Rutile Limited, and the reduction in mining activities has led to a sharp decline in production targets and operational demands.
“As a result, our current workforce exceeds the company’s operational requirements, leaving us with no option but to reduce staff numbers,” he explained.
The redundancy exercise is expected to affect approximately 200 employees across several departments, with the separations scheduled to take effect between June 12 and June 15, 2026.
Akrah assured workers that the company would collaborate closely with the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security to ensure the process is carried out fairly and in accordance with labour laws. He added that all affected employees would receive their full statutory benefits and entitlements.
Deputy Director of Labour and Employment, Abdulai Conteh, described the development as unfortunate, particularly as it comes only weeks after Sierra Rutile reportedly laid off more than 300 workers as part of its own restructuring efforts.
He noted that global economic pressures continue to affect businesses across multiple sectors, resulting in difficult decisions such as workforce reductions.
“The Ministry’s responsibility is to promote employment opportunities, so it is always regrettable to witness job losses. However, the impact of Sierra Rutile’s operational cutback has now extended to its subcontractor, Bale Logistics, which is unable to sustain its current workforce under the reduced level of activity,” Conteh stated.
He emphasized that while the Ministry seeks to safeguard jobs, redundancy remains a lawful process when conducted in compliance with established labour regulations.
Conteh also reminded workers that under existing Collective Bargaining Agreements, employers are generally required to provide both employees and the Ministry with two months’ notice before implementing redundancies. Where such notice is not given, affected workers are entitled to compensation equivalent to the notice period.
Representing the workforce, employee Shaiku Lee urged his colleagues to remain resilient during the difficult transition.
“We have built strong relationships and a sense of family within this company. Losing that connection is painful, but we must support one another and remain hopeful about future opportunities,” he said.
Another employee, Jonathan Tom Smith, expressed concern about the uncertainty facing workers.
“No one wants to be without work. Whether I am directly affected or not, it is difficult knowing that many colleagues may soon lose their livelihoods. There is uncertainty at the moment, but we hope for better days ahead,” he remarked.
Assistant Director of Labour and Employment, Moses Basie Conteh, called on workers to remain calm and comply with company regulations throughout the redundancy process.
He stressed that employees should continue to follow established procedures, engage management through appropriate channels, and ensure that the separation process remains peaceful and orderly.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Director Abdulai Conteh warned that company disciplinary rules would remain fully applicable until the redundancy exercise is completed.
“Employees must continue to conduct themselves responsibly. It would be unfortunate for anyone to jeopardize their benefits through misconduct during this period,” he cautioned.
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the process to ensure compliance with labour laws and to safeguard the rights and benefits of all affected workers.
The latest development adds to growing concerns over employment in Sierra Leone’s mining sector, as companies continue to grapple with operational and economic challenges affecting production and workforce levels.
