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
01:02
Mali recovers $1.2 billion in arrears from miners under new code
11:17
Simandou iron ore: Guinea’s mega project set to transform global mining [Business Africa]
01:00
China pledges to work more closely with South Africa on range of issues
00:57
DR Congo extends ban on mineral trade in war-hit east by six months
01:19
DR Congo produces first 1,000 tonnes of traceable artisanal cobalt
00:55
Senegal's president orders formation of National Gold Trading Centre