(SLENA, 13th December, 2022).The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday 8/12/2022 debated and ratified a large-scale license agreement between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and FG Gold Limited, dated November 2022.
Presenting the agreement to Parliament, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba said the object and reason are to ratify the agreement on industrial and large-scale mining. He said the company has demonstrated a willingness to operate in Sierra Leone by providing surface rent, support to health, and school construction for the Valunia Chiefdom in the Bo district.
He said 3.28 million ounces of Gold is projected for large-scale mining in that area. He said the Government is expected to benefit over 12 million USD annually from the mining company.
In her contribution to the debate, the Deputy Chairperson of the Mines and Mineral Committee in Parliament, Hon. Rebecca Y. Kamara used the opportunity to recall her days in civil society activism » I was a civil society activist championing the right and benefits of people from the mining sector » she asserted.
She highlighted the role of civil society organizations in the improvement and advocacy for the people in those mining areas. She called on the Mining Company to employ youths that are residents in the host communities.
Hon. Bash Kamara, who doubles as the host of the mining company, recalled that much has not been done in the past by mining companies that operated in that area, but heaped praises on the agreement between the Government and FG Gold. The MP highlighted the numerous benefits so far done by the mining company, even before operational activities relative; to payment of surface rent, construction of schools, health centers, and the award of scholarships to compatriots.
Hon. Amadu Kanu said he is in support of the agreement before the House because it is in the interest of the people of Sierra Leone and went on to highlight the procedures of insurance matters towards the mining sector.
Chief Whip of Parliament, Hon Dickson Rogers said the agreement is non-controversial and it geared toward the development of locals and the country. He congratulated the mining company and the minister in charge of mines for doing good work for the State.
Rounding up the debate, Opposition Leader Hon Chernor R.M Bah said he had the opportunity of reading out the documents which are part of the constitutional mandate of Parliament. He said when a mining company is coming into the country, let all rules and procedures be applied, consistent with other agreements, and endorsed the ratification of the agreement.
Concluding the debate, the Acting Leader of Government Business Hon BashiruSilikie said the agreement would benefit the people of Sierra Leone, relative to employment, revenue mobilization for the government, and other related development matters for the country and the host chiefdom. The Acting Leader heaped praises on the agreement and called for monitoring and proper implementation of the mining sector.
In another development, the Parliament of Sierra Leone has Thursday 8/12/2022 debated and ratified four trade investment agreements.
The following agreements were ratified by Parliament:
1. Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Randlyn Cement industry limited (RANDCEM) dated September 2022
2. Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and ROCKCEM (SL) LTD dated September 2022.
3. Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and SOL CO(SL) LTD dated September 2022 and
4. Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Goldtree (SL) LTD dated June 2021.
The four trade investment agreements were presented by the Minister of Trade and Industrial, Dr. Hinga Sandi. During his presentation, the Minister highlighted the huge benefit the country would benefit and went further to inform Parliament that the agreements were worth millions of dollars in investments. He said the agreements are geared toward the production and exportation of cement and oil palm.
MPs who contributed to the ratification of the trade agreements commended the minister and his team and acknowledged the huge benefits the agreements would bring to the socio-economic development of the State.
Both Acting Leaders of the House Hon. Hassan Sesay and Hon. BashiruSilikie commended the agreements and advised the ways and manners in which trade and investment would improve the economy of the State and went further to question previous agreements that need a parliamentary update.
