Sierra Leone
The government of Sierra Leone has cancelled or suspended the licences of several big mining projects, including the Tonkolili and Marampa iron ore mines, the Financial Times reported on Friday.
Major companies operating in Sierra Leone include China’s Shandong Iron and Steel, which owns the Tonkolili iron ore project. Gerald Group owns the Marampa mines.
Tonkolili has challenged the decision in the country’s high court, arguing the grounds to justify the cancellation of its licences were invalid as it had paid all its fees and royalties, the FT said.
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, since his election last year, has been reviewing mining contracts and considering changes to the law that would ensure the West African nation benefits from its natural resources.
The Minister of Mines and Sierra Leone’s new mining minister Foday Rado Yokie did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment, while Shandong could not immediately be reached.
REUTERS
01:05
Guinea detains 16 Sierra Leonean soldiers amid border dispute
Go to video
Five diamond miners trapped by mudslide presumed dead, South African minister says
01:01
Gold rush fever grips township outside South African city of Springs
01:53
South Africa's political parties largely welcome troop deployment
01:13
2026 Mining Indaba opens in Cape Town under the theme 'Stronger Together'
Go to video
Families mourn victims of Congo mine collapse as search for survivors continues