In a firm display of parliamentary oversight, the Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources summoned several mining companies to Parliament on Friday to answer critical questions on compliance, operations, and community development responsibilities.
The hearing, chaired by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, took place in Committee Room One at the Parliament Building, Tower Hill. In his opening remarks, the Chairman reminded all present of Parliament’s constitutional duty to scrutinize executive and private-sector actions in the interest of the people. He praised the Bio administration’s ongoing legislative reforms in the mining sector and emphasized the urgency of increasing both surface rents and Community Development Funds to ensure host communities benefit more from resource extraction. Referencing Sections 7(1a), 105, and 107 of the Constitution, Hon. Lamina set the tone for an investigative session focused not only on mining output but on legal compliance and socio-economic impact.
Dojo Mining Company, which has reportedly been on “care and maintenance” status for nearly three years, appeared unprepared for the hearing. Lacking the necessary documentation and failing to adequately brief Parliament on its operations, the company’s representatives were advised to reappear at a later date with full records.
Leone Rock Mining Company, represented by Ibrahim Sesay and Abdul Rahman Jabbi (Senior Coordinator and Compliance Officer), gave a more detailed presentation. Jabbi outlined the company’s large-scale iron ore operations, noting a production capacity of 12 million tons annually, with concentrate grades between 62% and 67%. The company highlighted its investments in modern processing equipment and renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, to drive production efficiency. Monthly production reports, the officials noted, are regularly submitted to the National Minerals Agency (NMA).
In terms of employment, Leone Rock reported a workforce of over 6,000 employees, comprising nationals, foreign experts, and technical staff. MPs were particularly interested in this area, raising concerns about a recent drop in employment levels during the last quarter.
The company detailed its Community Development Agreement (CDA) projects in compliance with Section 143 of the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act. It disclosed that 1% of its revenue is invested in projects across three host chiefdoms, including health centers, water systems, scholarships (70 beneficiaries per chiefdom), and multipurpose infrastructure. Lawmakers praised the company’s effort in aligning with local content policies and prioritizing national hires. However, questions were raised about the transparency of scholarship selection, the monetary value of the scholarships, and the timing and scope of a formal mine closure plan.
Committee members also pressed the company on when it planned to transition to steel production, a key promise made during its operational expansion. In addition, repeated complaints from local communities about dilapidated road infrastructure in mining zones prompted MPs to question whether CDAs are adequately addressing real community needs.
In response, Leone Rock clarified that project prioritization was ongoing and that progressive site rehabilitation is being actively enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The company acknowledged challenges but reiterated its commitment to the CDA and national development.
Friday’s session underscored Parliament’s growing assertiveness in holding mining operators to account, particularly in how they honor both legal obligations and their social license to operate. As Hon. Lamina and committee members signaled, resource-rich Sierra Leone cannot afford to allow extractive wealth to leave communities behind. The Committee is expected to continue these hearings as part of its broader effort to align mining operations with national goals of economic transformation, environmental responsibility, and equitable development.
