By Thaimu T Kamara

The Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, has assured workers affected by the ongoing restructuring process at Marampa Mines Limited that the government will ensure their rights and entitlements are protected in accordance with the Employment Act, 2023.

The assurance came during a meeting between the Minister, representatives of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), management of Marampa Mines, union representatives and employees at the company’s premises. The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the restructuring exercise, its implications for workers and the company’s plans for future operations.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister acknowledged the difficult circumstances confronting employees, noting that developments in the global economy had placed considerable pressure on businesses, particularly those operating in the mining industry.

He explained that the Employment Act, 2023, makes provision for redundancy in recognition of situations where companies may be compelled to restructure their operations. However, he stressed that such processes must be conducted within the framework of the law, with employers fulfilling their obligations to affected employees.

Minister Koroma disclosed that he had directed officials of his Ministry to closely monitor the process and ensure that workers’ rights and interests were not compromised.

He further revealed that Marampa Mines management had assured him that all outstanding matters relating to the restructuring would be addressed by the end of November, in accordance with the law, and that every affected employee would receive their rightful entitlements.

The Minister assured workers that the Ministry would continue engaging with management to ensure that the company’s commitments were honoured. He also commended employees for maintaining calm and demonstrating patience despite the uncertainty surrounding their employment.

He reminded workers that Marampa Mines remained an important national asset and encouraged them not to lose hope, noting that opportunities could emerge for some affected employees to return when operations resume.

Earlier, Chief Executive Officer of Marampa Mines Holding, Paul Lombard, welcomed the Minister and his delegation, expressing appreciation for the government’s engagement at what he described as a challenging period for the company and its workforce.

Lombard reaffirmed the company’s commitment to restarting operations as a stronger and more sustainable business. He highlighted improvements recorded under the Marampa Reset Programme, particularly in production performance, plant recovery and operational discipline.

However, he explained that rising international freight charges, increased fuel costs and difficult conditions in the global iron ore market had placed significant financial pressure on the business, making restructuring necessary to reduce operating costs and establish a more competitive operational foundation.

According to him, the restructuring process initially targeted expatriate positions as part of efforts to achieve a better balance between expatriate and national employees.

He added that the company’s future operational plans would place greater emphasis on national career progression, skills transfer and leadership development, creating opportunities for Sierra Leoneans to occupy more responsible positions within the organisation.

Lombard also commended employees for remaining calm and constructive throughout the process, assuring them that management remained committed to fairness, transparency and continuous engagement.

Speaking on behalf of the workers’ union, Mohamed Kabia thanked the Minister and his delegation for taking the time to visit the company and listen to employees during what he described as a difficult period for the workforce.

He expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention and engagement, particularly as affected workers seek clarity and reassurance about their future.

Meanwhile, representing the National Minerals Agency, Ibrahim Sattie Kamara apologised for the absence of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, assuring stakeholders that the Minister fully supported the engagement.

Kamara commended workers for maintaining calm, noting that the situation was a concern to all stakeholders, especially the government, given the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.

He acknowledged that government had made efforts to prevent the situation from reaching its current stage but noted that some of the challenges identified by the company were beyond its control.

He assured employees that the relevant authorities would continue working with the company and its partners to address the situation, expressing optimism that the current difficulties did not represent the end of the road for Marampa Mines.

During the discussions, workers also appealed to management to ensure that employees engaged in future operations receive fair treatment and are given opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the company throughout their service.

The engagement underscored the importance of collaboration between government, employers, workers and regulatory institutions in addressing challenges within the mining industry.

It also reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, the National Minerals Agency and Marampa Mines management to ensuring that the restructuring process is handled transparently, fairly and in accordance with the Employment Act, 2023, while safeguarding the welfare and legitimate interests of affected employees.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 9th November 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)