The deputy minister of works and public assets, Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofanah, alongside her team, visited the proposed stone quarry sites operated by Zhongjing mining company Ltd in Marampa chiefdom on Thursday, May 29th, 2025, the visit aimed to verify the company’s land acquisition from the paramount chief, local stakeholders, and families of landowners.
In a landmark development for the people of Marampa, Paramount chief Koblo Queen warmly welcomed the Deputy minister, ministry officials, dignitaries, and representatives of Zhongjing mining company Ltd, the gathering marked the official recognition of the quarry operations, which are set to begin once all legal and environmental requirements are met.
Addressing attendees on behalf of his people, paramount chief Koblo Queen expressed deep gratitude for the many benefits Marampa has gained under the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, especially in the area of mineral resource development. He underscored the significance of the new quarry project, highlighting its potential to create employment opportunities for the youth and stimulate economic and social growth in the region.
The Paramount Chief described the Deputy Minister’s visit as a historic milestone, affirming that he and the landowners had given full consent for the land allocation to Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd for quarrying activities.
Mr. Paul Bockarie, chief director of the Ministry of works and public assets, emphasized Sierra Leone’s abundant natural resource including diamonds, bauxite, sand, timber, and granite and reiterated that quarry operations nationwide fall under the Ministry’s supervision, a mandate established by the late president Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
He explained that Zhongjing mining company had followed due legal process by engaging with the ministry, completing community consultations, and securing consent from the paramount chief, landowners, and community elders.
Mr. Bockarie outlined the regulatory procedures required before quarry operations commence: consultations with local authorities, environmental impact assessments by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and clearance from the National minerals agency (NMA) to confirm the absence of mineral deposits at the sites.
Deputy minister Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofanah expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the Paramount chief and the people of Marampa. She clarified that her visit’s purpose was to authenticate the legitimacy of the company’s documentation, ensure compliance with legal processes, confirm no illegal land acquisitions, and verify the absence of other operators on the proposed sites, she highlighted that the quarry project aligns with President Bio’s commitment to create 50,000 jobs for Sierra Leonean youth and emphasized the ongoing responsibility of investors like Zhongjing to establish factories and contribute meaningfully to national development. Mrs. Fofanah also stressed the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), encouraging companies to support the communities where they operate.
Representing the landowners, Mr. Moses Babah Kabia confirmed the legality of the land acquisition, assuring that all agreements were made with full consent. Ms. Memunatu King Kanu added that no other quarry companies had approached the community regarding the sites, Zhongjing’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Abdulai, assured residents of the company’s commitment to abide by local laws and honor all agreements.
At the event, Mr. Cecil Pinkney-Thomas, Manager of Union Trust Bank, encouraged Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd to consider utilizing local banking services to further contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth, the visit concluded on a positive note, marking a new chapter in Marampa Chiefdom’s economic development and reinforcing the importance of strong public-private partnerships in the region.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 2nd, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
