The Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), fully owned by the government, has signed land lease agreements with three chiefdoms: Diang, Sambaia, and Dansogoia. SLMMDMC is responsible for managing the country’s interests in mining and will oversee the Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposits in these chiefdoms.
A high-level government delegation led by Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura included the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina; Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor; Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senesie; Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bocakarie Abdel-Aziz Bawoh; Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Jamiru; Chairman of the Mines Committee in Parliament, Hon. Emerson Lamina; and Solicitor General Robert Kowa. This delegation engaged with the three chiefdoms to finalise the land lease agreements for the Kasafoni iron ore deposit.
Key Highlights of the Agreement Signed in Diang Chiefdom:
– The land lease agreement will last for 49 years, with the possibility of renewal for an additional 25 years.
– The annual surface rent is $76,000, approximately NLe 1,824,000. Landowners can review the surface rent every 5 years.
– The chiefdom will benefit from infrastructure improvements, including roads, schools, hospitals, and other social amenities.
– Any additional provisions required in the agreement necessitate engagement with the people of Diang Chiefdom.
– The agreement will be subject to review every 10 years.
– A redress mechanism is included, allowing 14 days for resolution; if unresolved, an additional 14 days with external assistance will be provided. If still unresolved, arbitration will occur involving both parties and an independent third party they appoint.
– Residents of Diang Chiefdom will have access to employment opportunities in the mines.
Key Highlights of the Agreement in Sambaia Bendugu Chiefdom:
– The land lease agreement will span 49 years, with a renewal option for 25 years.
– Surface rent for Sambaia Bendugu will amount to $118,000, approximately NLe 2,832,000 annually.
– The surface rent will be reviewed every 5 years, with government assurance for upward adjustments.
– The chiefdom will receive enhancements in roads, railways, schools, hospitals, water, and electricity.
– Preference for job opportunities will be given to residents of Sambaia Bendugu.
Key Highlights of the Agreement Signed in Dansogoia Chiefdom:
– Dansogoia Chiefdom occupies just 3% of the Kasafoni Iron Ore concession and will receive an annual surface rent of $6,000, with similar terms and conditions as the other chiefdom agreements.
In all three chiefdoms, the landowners welcomed the agreements, expressed their consent through signatures, and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for this significant development.
