By Amin Kef Sesay
One of the sources from which this country derives its revenue in order to fund developmental projects is the mining sector. It is known widely that Kono District is most synonymous with mining than perhaps any other place in Sierra Leone. The soils of Kono are home to some of the country’s previous minerals, like diamond, gold, bauxite, iron ore, etc.
Quite interestingly, in the mining history of this country this is the first time Coltan Mining is going to be commenced in the district by the Pan African Rare Metals Mining Company.
Coltan is a dull black metal used in the manufacturing of mobile phones, cameras, personal computers and other items.
From what this medium authoritatively learnt is that the initial or maiden exploration of Coltan in Kono District is expected to begin in the three chiefdoms of Nimikoro, Nimiyama and Sandor.
The well placed Pan African Rare Metals Mining company is expected to start producing over millions of Coltan for exporting in one year.
It must be noted that even before the start of mining operations, residents in the three chiefdoms are already boasting of numerous development through the rolling out of the company’s Social Corporate Responsibility.
In line with the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009, the company has paid one billion Leones as surface rent to the three communities. In addition, Honorable PC Aiah Bona of Nimikoro Chiefdom said the company has brought massive infrastructural and financial development in their communities.
The people of Nimiyama Chiefdom were extremely happy for having such a huge investment and a source of livelihood within their communities
National Minerals Agency Community Liaison Office Manager, Henry Kamara reaffirmed Government’s commitment to creating the enabling environment for private sector investments to thrive. He called on residents to work with the company closely for the benefit of both the district and the company.
Pan African Chairman, Fassally Tawarally, said they would continue to pay the surface rent for mining rights in all three chiefdoms, as well as building the capacity of their workers that they will employ from the chiefdoms.
The coming of Pan African Metals Company appears to be welcoming news for the country’s economy and mining sector following the shutdown of other mining companies in recent times.
The company is poised to create massive employment opportunities for young people particularly those in the areas of operations.
Since the 1930s when mining started at Kono district, there has been no tangible impact and development in the district.
Pan Africa Rare Metal Mining Company SL Limited pays 1.Billion Leones as Surface Rent to 3 chiefdoms in Kono District.
