By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
FG Gold, a leading gold exploration and development company, has been lauded by local authorities for its transformative community development efforts and adherence to international best practices in mining. This commendation followed a two-day media tour of the company’s operational sites on December 4th and 5th, 2024 at Baomahun, Bo District, under the banner “FG Gold Media Day.”
During the tour, journalists were granted access to several key project sites, including the proposed tailing storage facility, a processing plant, a community driving school and a community clinic. One of the standout moments of the visit was the ceremonial turning of the sod for the construction of a Community Center , the latest in a series of community-focused projects launched under FG Gold’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Baomahun Gold Project is on track to become Sierra Leone’s first large-scale commercial gold mine, with a projected lifespan of 12.5 years. FG Gold estimates annual gold production to average approximately 147,000 ounces, with a peak of 234,000 ounces. The project is also set to make a substantial impact on Sierra Leone’s economy, contributing up to 10% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating over 900 direct and indirect jobs for Sierra Leoneans.
Paramount Chief, Dr. Margarette Veronica Komeh Baio-Gbanie III, praised FG Gold’s community-oriented approach, highlighting that no previous company had matched its contributions since mining activities began in Baomahun in the 1930s.
“FG Gold has kept its promises. They have built a school, rehabilitated and expanded the local health facility, provided scholarships and are now building a community center,” she stated. “For a company to still be in the exploration phase and yet contribute so significantly to community development is remarkable.”
The Paramount Chief also encouraged young people in the community to acquire relevant skills to qualify for employment at the company.
Baomahun Town Chief, Joseph Kowa, echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism that the community would experience further development as FG Gold advances into full-scale mining. Members of the local land-owning families and the Section Chief also praised the company’s support for agriculture and community welfare.
In line with its commitment to sustainable mining, FG Gold has taken several steps to protect the environment. Stephen Essel, Manager of the Tailing Storage Facility (TSF), explained that the facility will be lined with high-grade polyethylene to prevent environmental contamination for up to 70 years. Furthermore, chemicals from wastewater will be recycled and reused, preserving the soil’s natural nutrients.
Environmental Superintendent, Mohamed Kamara, emphasized the company’s “zero harm” approach to worker safety and environmental conservation. He disclosed that all employees are required to wear personal protective equipment and no lost-time injuries have been recorded under FG Gold’s ownership. Mohamed Kamara also noted that the company takes wildlife protection seriously, with an emergency rescue system in place for animals found on-site.
According to FG Gold’s Operations Readiness Director, Riaan Van Der Walt, significant progress has been made since the company obtained its license in 2020. After completing feasibility studies in 2022, infrastructure work commenced in 2023. The gold reserves at Baomahun are estimated at 2.05 million ounces, with robust potential for economic mining.
Human Resource Superintendent, Amette Coker, emphasized FG Gold’s commitment to capacity building for Sierra Leoneans. She revealed that 89% of the company’s workforce is composed of Sierra Leonean nationals, with plans to increase employment to 800 staff during the operational phase. Notably, FG Gold prioritizes gender diversity, with 19% of its employees being women, some of whom occupy leadership roles.
“We are not just creating jobs; we are building capacity,” Amette Coker remarked. “Our goal is to ensure Sierra Leoneans acquire the skills needed to fill senior roles within the company.”
FG Gold’s Community Social Responsibility (CSR) Program Manager, Evelyn Gyamfi-Hassan, provided an overview of the company’s community development projects. These include:
- Education: Construction of St. Joseph Bakhita School and scholarships for students in the community.
- Healthcare: Rehabilitation and expansion of the local clinic.
- Water Access: Construction of boreholes for Baomahun town and neighboring communities.
- Youth Empowerment: Establishment of a driving school that has trained 86 youth, with 45 graduates and 41 more set to graduate.
- Community Engagement: Support for community events, including breast cancer awareness campaigns, football matches and International Women’s Day celebrations.
Evelyn Gyamfi-Hassan also noted that the company compensated 150 farmers and 196 property owners for crops, artisanal mining sites and structures affected by the company’s operations. As part of its efforts to promote food security, FG Gold distributed crop seedlings, including rice, groundnuts and pepper, to support local agriculture.
As FG Gold continues its journey to become a major player in Sierra Leone’s mining sector, its strategy of integrating sustainability, community development and economic impact has earned it high praise. The company’s approach sets a precedent for other mining firms, demonstrating how responsible corporate practices can coexist with profitability.
With the Baomahun Gold Project poised to become a major contributor to Sierra Leone’s GDP, local leaders and stakeholders remain optimistic that FG Gold will continue to be a partner in the community’s development journey.
