By: Richmond B Tholley

As part of its core values, Leone Rock Metal Group has on Wednesday 25th September 2024 ended a day multi - stakeholders meeting with pertinent policy makers in the Northern District of Tonkolili.

The multi-national Company held the meeting at the Tonkolili District Council Hall in Magburaka bringing together Paramount Chiefs, Members of Parliament, Councillors, Civil Rights Activists, the Media, Mamy Queens, Members of Private and Public sector and among others.

The theme of the historic meeting is Fostering collaboration and partnership for mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence between the company and the District for a win - win co-operation.

In his opening statement, the Chairman of the meeting Prince Sorieba who also doubles as the Provincial Secretary of the north West region explained the importance of the mining company, its significance in the communities, the District, the economy and the country as a whole.

He further explained to members and the stakeholders of the various mining communities to work hands and gloves with the mining company and that such stakeholders engagement at this time is very very important.

He encouraged the management of the company to not only continue its community stakeholders engagement but must also  ensure that its  relationship with stakeholders in Tonkolili District and the entire community is cordial for peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

Explaining further the essence of meeting, the Community and Security Affairs Manager, Alusine "Kamathor" Sesay talks about the core values of the company which is Respect, Share Cooperation and  Progress. Sesay emphasized  the  respect the company has shown and is still showing to stakeholders at the community, District and national levels.

The company, Sesay said will continue to hold its stakeholders in high esteem in order to have a peaceful co-existence in the various communities. He also talked about the various testaments of the shared values which looked into the CDA, CSR and the CDAP.

"The company is here and we are all here because of one of our core shared values which is "Cooperation". That is why the company always invites stakeholders to sit and discuss ideas on how to progress ahead," the Community and Security Affairs Manager said.

He said progress as a core value in the company looked into most of the sectors in life, education, Agriculture, Health and many others in which the company has engaged all this time.

Ending his touching message, Sesay talked about the challenges of the company, particularly emphasizing on the frequent theft, strike actions and how it has negatively affected their work.

Director of Community Affairs, Ansu Momoh brings greetings from the Chief Executive Officer of the company Gilbert Zhao and also acknowledges the presence of the Paramount chiefs.

Leone Rock Metal Group, Momoh said is not only beneficial to the country and the operational communities but to Sierra Leone and all Sierra Leoneans. He talks about the support the company has enjoyed from the various Members of Parliament over the years.

In order to give a background of the company's activities, Momoh did a presentation on all Community Stakeholders Engagement over the years and a brief analysis of the various CDA paid. According to him, the total amount of CDA paid so far has gone to 78 billion. 

He narrated the developmental projects the company has embarked on in the District and among them he mentioned the Guest House, the Multi purpose Building in Bumbuna and the Health clinic in Simiria Chiefdom.

He said over 900 million was put aside for the construction of pipe borne water in the relocated villages and that over 105 scholarships have been given in the three chiefdoms so far.

On behalf of  the people of Tonkolili District, the Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, Madam Yabom Sesay expressed happiness for what she says is the company's readiness in working stakeholders in her District. She personally thanked the company for the massive development projects it has carried across the District especially around the operational communities. As a District and people, the Chairperson said Tonkolili is proud of Leone Rock Metal Group. She described the engagement as timely and will further address the many misinformation and misconceptions about the company and its operation.

Among other speakers are the Paramount Chiefs from the operational communities, the Tonkolili District Parliamentary Caucus Leader and among others.

Statements from all of the speakers were an emphasis on the need for the community and the company to work together for a peaceful co-existence and sustainable development in Tonkolili District and the country at large. The historic event ended with all stakeholders pledging their commitment in ensuring peace reign and at the end of the day there would be a win - win cooperation.