Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources, chaired by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, on Thursday, 13 November 2025, convened a mediation meeting involving residents of Moriba Town and the management of Sierra Rutile Limited. The engagement sought to address an ongoing dispute between the company and community stakeholders in Imperri Chiefdom.
In his opening statement, Hon. Lamina reaffirmed the Committee’s constitutional mandate to conduct oversight on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and to intervene in disputes when necessary. He emphasized the government’s broader agenda to reform Sierra Leone’s mining sector, referencing the Mines and Minerals Development Act and recent policy changes, including a 70% increase in surface rent to enhance community benefit.
Committee member Hon. Fatmata Bockarie highlighted longstanding concerns from affected residents regarding crop compensation. She called for a fair and transparent resolution process between the parties.
Representing the complainants, Regent Chief Leslie Turker Thomas stated that the conflict had persisted for over a year. He alleged that Sierra Rutile had only paid 2.5 billion Leones out of an agreed 4 billion Leones in crop compensation, leaving a balance of 1.5 billion Leones outstanding. He further accused the company of failing to pay surface rent for a specific operational area, intimidating community members through security personnel, and terminating workers without proper benefits.
Responding to the allegations, Sierra Rutile’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenelm Walta Hughes, maintained that the company had fulfilled its obligations up to December 2024. He noted that while a balance remained unpaid, some delays were due to the need for further verification. According to the company’s records, the total liability stood at 4.168 million Leones, with 1.784 million Leones yet to be settled. Hughes stated that he had withheld approval of payments pending a full investigation into the claims presented.
Following the discussions, the Committee outlined several directives aimed at ensuring transparency and facilitating a conclusive settlement:
1. A five-member subcommittee will conduct a detailed investigation into the disputed grassland area and the company’s actual concession boundaries.
2. Sierra Rutile must provide coordinate data and a drone survey report by Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
3. The Committee will engage with the National Minerals Agency (NMA) before delivering its final decision.
4. A crop assessor’s report must be presented at the next adjourned meeting.
5. All parties are to maintain peace and refrain from further confrontation until the hearing resumes on Wednesday.
The Parliamentary Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring fairness, accountability, and harmony between mining companies and their host communities.
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