Following weeks of industrial unrest at Koidu Holdings Limited, the Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) and the company’s leadership have agreed to resolve the dispute and restore operations at the Koidu Diamond Mine.
A joint statement issued on 20th March 2025 confirmed that both parties engaged in extensive negotiations to address the concerns of mineworkers, who had staged protests over labor rights, wages, and working conditions. The agreement calls for the immediate return of workers to their jobs, with Koidu Holdings committing to implement key recommendations made by MELSS in a letter dated 28th February 2025.
Among the resolutions reached, Koidu Holdings will introduce quarterly bonus payments to the workforce, linked to the national diamond export pricing and supervised by the Government of Sierra Leone. This scheme, set to take effect on 2 April 2025, is expected to provide financial incentives to workers based on a structured performance framework.
Despite mediation efforts, Koidu Holdings has maintained its position on not reinstating dismissed employees. However, in accordance with government recommendations, the company has agreed to pay full end-of-service benefits to those affected. Employees who wish to challenge their termination have been advised to seek legal recourse under the Employment Act of 2023.
The Government of Sierra Leone reaffirmed its oversight of the country’s diamond production and exports, ensuring compliance with national labor laws and international best practices. As part of the long-term resolution strategy, a Koidu Workers Forum (KWF) will be established under the leadership of the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security. This forum aims to enhance communication between workers, the company, and government representatives to maintain industrial peace.
The resolution comes after significant public attention, including intervention by First Lady Fatima Bio, who voiced support for the protesting workers and called for an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct at Koidu Holdings.
With this agreement in place, the government and Koidu Holdings express optimism that stability will be restored, ensuring the continued operation of the mine while safeguarding workers’ rights and economic contributions to Sierra Leone.
