FREETOWN, 26th October 2026 – The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has finally broken its silence on the temporary closure of Marampa Mines Limited (MML), assuring workers that their rights and legal entitlements will not be abandoned.
In a Public Notice dated 26th October 2026 and issued from New England Ville in Freetown, the Ministry said it has taken note of the public notice of temporary shutdown of MML due to economic and other reasons.
The Ministry disclosed that even before the shutdown announcement, it had already engaged the management of MML together with the workers’ union in a bid to find an amicable solution to the challenges facing the company.
“The Ministry together with the involvement of the union has previously engaged the management of MML to amicably address the challenges being experienced by the company,” the notice signed by the Permanent Secretary states. “These engagements were aimed at taking proactive steps to protect the rights of all parties during this trying time.”
Breaking its silence after days of anxiety among workers in Lunsar, the Ministry said it will not leave workers on their own.
“Consequently, the Ministry wishes to assure the general public, and particularly the workforce of Marampa Mines, that both parties (Ministry and the Union) will continue to engage the management to ensure that workers receive their legal entitlements during this period.”
“The Ministry stands in solidarity with the workforce and management and will continue to pursue a constructive engagement with MML,” it added.
The statement comes four days after MML management, in a notice dated 22nd October titled “MARAMPA RESET”, confirmed it had submitted a formal suspension notice to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources.
The company, which operates the Marampa iron ore mine in Lunsar, Port Loko District, cited difficult market conditions, high freight and operating costs, and ongoing operational challenges. It is owned 90% by Gerald Group and 10% by the Government of Sierra Leone.
Management said it will keep only a skeletal staff to secure the site and maintain safety, power, tailings, water and environmental controls, while conserving fuel due to high costs. No date has been given for resumption.
The closure has sparked fears in Lunsar where Marampa is the largest private employer. Reports indicate about 925 jobs have already been cut earlier this month as part of the company’s Reset plan.
The Labour Ministry says further engagements are ongoing to ensure full compliance with Sierra Leone’s labour laws on redundancy, severance and final payments.
