By Josephine Sesay

The Sierra Leone Mines and Mineral Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), a government-owned entity, has officially signed land lease agreements with three key chiefdoms, Diang, Sambaia Bendugu, and Dansogoia, marking a major milestone in the development of the Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposits.

The agreements, signed in the presence of a high-powered government delegation led by Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, represent a strategic effort by the government to responsibly manage Sierra Leone’s mining resources while fostering development in host communities.

Other members of the delegation included 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 Alfred Jamiru, Parliamentary Mines Committee Chair Hon. Emerson Lamina, and Solicitor General Robert Kowa.

Agreement Highlights by Chiefdom

Diang Chiefdom

The lease spans 49 years, with an option to renew for 25 additional years.

Annual surface rent is set at $76,000 (approx. NLe 1,824,000), subject to review every five years.

Diang will benefit from road construction, schools, hospitals, and other social infrastructure.

Residents are promised employment opportunities in the mining operations. Disputes will follow a multi-tiered redress mechanism, with the option for arbitration if unresolved.

The lease agreement will be subject to a comprehensive review every ten years.

Sambaia Bendugu Chiefdom

Similar lease terms of 49 years with a 25-year renewal option.

The surface rent is higher at $118,000 annually (approx. NLe 2,832,000).

Government committed to periodic rent reviews and infrastructure enhancements, including roads, rail, schools, hospitals, electricity, and water supply.

Preferential hiring of local residents for mining jobs is assured.

Dansogoia Chiefdom

Dansogoia, covering only 3% of the concession area, will receive $6,000 annually under the same lease duration and conditions as other chiefdoms.

Community Consent and Government Commitment

In each of the three chiefdoms, local authorities and landowners welcomed the agreements, formally expressed their consent, and thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for what they described as a “transformative development.”

The Finance Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that natural resource exploitation translates into tangible benefits for local communities. “This is not just about mining; it’s about creating sustainable value and empowering our people,” he said.

With the agreements now in place, SLMMDMC is expected to begin operations on the Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposits, ensuring that mining activities proceed with transparency, accountability, and direct community involvement.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday,27th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)