Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security (MELSS) has criticized Koidu Holdings Limited for issuing a “unilateral statement” while negotiations over the ongoing industrial action at the Koidu Diamond Mine are still in progress.
In an official public notice dated 13th March 2025, the ministry expressed disappointment in the company’s leadership, accusing them of attempting to derail peaceful resolution efforts through intimidation tactics.
According to the ministry, it had previously taken steps to deescalate tensions and had presented Koidu Holdings with a roadmap to resolve the dispute. This led to an online negotiation session with the company’s Board of Directors on 6th March 2025. The ministry noted that while both parties initially showed optimism in reaching an amicable settlement, Koidu Holdings’ recent public statement had threatened to undermine the progress made.
The government also dismissed the company’s claims that the strike was illegal. It alleged that Koidu Holdings had manipulated the workers’ union, preventing it from effectively representing employees. This interference led workers to withdraw their union membership, a situation the company refused to acknowledge until mounting pressure forced its recognition.
“In spite of the above, we would like to re-echo our commitment to resolving the impasse speedily through the ongoing negotiation and therefore urge Koidu Limited to give this process a chance to succeed,” the notice pointed out.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful resolution and urged Koidu Holdings to engage in negotiations in good faith rather than issuing statements that could escalate tensions. It also assured the company of continued security support while calling for a responsible approach to the ongoing dispute.
Before the ministry’s statement, Koidu Holdings Limited had previously addressed the ongoing industrial action in an official statement on March 12, 2025. In its response, the company outlined its position on the situation, emphasizing its commitment to employee welfare, adherence to Sierra Leonean labour laws, and the long-term sustainability of its mining operations.
The company described the strike as illegal, citing violations of sections 64 and 67 of the Industrial Relations and Trade Union Act 2023. It stated that the strike was driven by demands for higher wages, the reinstatement of dismissed workers, and other labour-related concerns. However, Koidu Holdings maintained that it could only engage in direct negotiations if the strike was called off immediately, allowing employees to return to work safely.
The company warned that continued obstruction of operations and incitement of violence could force the withdrawal of all workers from the mine for safety reasons, potentially leading to a complete shutdown of operations. Such a development, it argued, would pose a serious threat to the mine’s future and, by extension, the broader diamond industry in Sierra Leone.
Koidu Holdings emphasized that it had made multiple attempts to engage with government officials, including meetings with the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security on 7th March 2025. It also noted efforts to communicate directly with President Julius Maada Bio, the Minister of Mines, the National Minerals Agency, and the Chief Minister. The company reaffirmed its willingness to address workers’ concerns and proposed measures such as a review of workforce salaries and the introduction of a quarterly diamond price-based bonus scheme. These initiatives, it stated, would be implemented immediately upon reaching a mutual agreement.
Additionally, the company rejected allegations of corruption and dishonest practices, insisting that all diamonds extracted from its mining operations are accounted for under government supervision and the Kimberley Process Scheme. It reiterated its commitment to both the sustainability of the Koidu mine and the future of Sierra Leone’s diamond industry, warning that continued disruptions put the entire sector at risk.
“Koidu remains fully committed to the long-term sustainability of both the Mine and the future of Sierra Leone’s broader hard rock diamond industry, which remains significantly under threat,” the company maintained.
Koidu Holdings stated that it would provide further updates regarding its proposed initiatives to key government stakeholders and local communities in the coming weeks.
The protest by mineworkers at Koidu Holdings gained national attention after receiving public support from First Lady Fatima Bio. On the third day of demonstrations, she pledged to take the issue to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), alleging that Koidu Holdings was engaged in financial misconduct and the exploitation of Sierra Leonean workers.
She claimed that the company was not only taking advantage of its employees but was also depriving the government of its fair share of the mine’s revenue.
She urged workers to stand firm in their demands, drawing comparisons between their struggle and the historical injustices in South Africa’s mining industry. She emphasized that this fight was not just about the present but about ensuring better conditions for future generations, warning that without action, their children and grandchildren would continue to suffer the same fate.
The First Lady assured miners that her stance had the full backing of President Julius Maada Bio, pledging that she would not remain silent while the people of Kono endured unfair treatment. While urging workers to remain steadfast, she encouraged them to maintain a peaceful protest, warning against violence as they pushed for their demands.
