Leone Rock Metal Group has paid a total of One Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Two New Leones (NLe 1,502,352.0) in surface rent to the communities of Tane, Kholifa Rowalla, Kafe, Simiria, Dansogoia, and Sambaia in Tonkolili District. This payment is part of the company’s commitment to upholding legal requirements and ensuring sustainable development in the region.
The surface rent payment aligns with Section 36 of the Mines and Minerals Act 2022, which mandates all mining companies to pay surface rent as part of their operational responsibilities. In line with the law, the payment has been distributed as follows:
– 70% to the landowners
– 10% to the Paramount Chiefs
– 10% to the District Council
– 10% to the Constituency Development Fund
The payment was made in a ceremony attended by key community leaders, who expressed gratitude for the company’s contributions. Paramount Chief ABY commended Leone Rock Metal Group for honoring its legal obligations and praised the company’s responsible corporate conduct and ongoing support for local development.
Madam Yabom Sesay, Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, also acknowledged the company’s positive impact, noting the continued benefits for the region. She suggested that further collaboration and improvements could enhance the relationship between the company and the local communities.
Ibrahim Sesay, Senior Community Coordinator, highlighted the important role communities play in fostering a peaceful and conducive environment for development. He emphasized that a harmonious environment benefits both the company’s operations and the well-being of local people. “When we work together in harmony, we open doors to opportunities, development, and collaboration,” he stated.
Mr. Samuel J. Kamara, Compliance Manager for Leone Rock Metal Group, thanked the community stakeholders for creating an enabling environment for business operations. He reiterated the company’s commitment to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility while distributing the surface rent payments across the various chiefdoms.
This surface rent payment underscores Leone Rock Metal Group’s dedication to building strong community relations and fulfilling its legal obligations, ensuring mutual benefits for both the company and the people of Tonkolili.
