Freetown, 30 May 2025 – Leone Rock Metal Group has officially dismissed recent reports circulating in the media that the company is undergoing a change of ownership and planning to lay off staff.
The management described these reports as “misleading and factually incorrect,” and reassured the public that the company remains fully operational under its current ownership.
In a statement issued yesterday, Leone Rock Metal Group categorically refuted claims that it has rebranded as “Rock Wave” or that there has been any change in ownership structure.
No Ownership Change
“Leone Rock Metal Group remains fully owned and managed as before,” the company clarified. “There has been no change in ownership and no rebranding.”
Rock Wave HR Partnership Clarified
The confusion, the statement noted, may have arisen from Leone Rock’s recent partnership with Rock Wave—a Sierra Leonean-owned human resources management company. Rock Wave has been contracted to handle HR services specifically for junior-level, non-supervisory staff across Leone Rock and its subcontractors.
“This partnership is meant to enhance efficiency, strengthen staff welfare, and professionalise recruitment and training,” the company explained.
Senior Staff Employment Unaffected
Leone Rock also stressed that all senior, supervisory, and expatriate employees remain fully under Leone Rock Metal Group contracts. “There are no changes to their employment terms, benefits, or reporting lines,” the statement said.
No Redundancy Plans, but Expansion Ahead
The company dismissed suggestions of impending layoffs as baseless. Instead, it announced ambitious expansion plans, including:
* Doubling its workforce to 15,000 by the end of 2026
* Launching new mining and processing projects
* Constructing advanced processing plants and infrastructure
* Creating more jobs for Sierra Leoneans across the country
* Continuous training and upskilling of technical and middle-management staff
Outsourcing HR Services Is Best Practice
The management explained that outsourcing certain HR functions is a globally accepted best practice. “This is about localisation and empowering Sierra Leonean businesses,” the company said. “We are committed to local content goals and building capacity within Sierra Leone.”
Strong Focus on Staff Welfare
Leone Rock highlighted its commitment to staff welfare, pointing to salary increases, monthly 50kg bags of rice for each employee, production-based bonuses, and improved working and living conditions at all operational sites.
A Stable and Motivated Workforce
The company concluded that its workforce remains secure, focused, and motivated. “Leone Rock offers one of the most stable and rewarding employment environments in Sierra Leone’s mining industry,” the statement emphasised.
The company called on media outlets and the public to verify information before spreading unverified stories that may cause panic and confusion.
“To those behind these false reports, we ask: why celebrate unemployment when we are building prosperity?” the company challenged.
Leone Rock Metal Group reaffirmed its commitment to decent job creation, skills development, and meaningful contributions to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
