By Amin Kef (Ranger)
As part of its Africa Undiscovered Series, FORBES AFRICA ,in its April/May 2025 edition, spotlighted Craig Dean, Executive Chairman and CEO of Gerald Group, for his transformative leadership and the pivotal role Marampa Mines is playing in revitalizing Sierra Leone’s mining industry and uplifting local communities.
FORBES AFRICA stated that Marampa Mines, situated in the Port Loko District, has become a symbol of sustainable development and operational excellence. According to the publication, under Craig Dean’s stewardship, Gerald Group has invested over US$400 million to rejuvenate one of Sierra Leone’s most significant mining projects, now a cornerstone of the nation’s economic recovery.
In an interview with FORBES AFRICA, Craig Dean revealed that Marampa Mines is currently producing 3.25 million tons of high-grade iron ore annually. The Magazine reported that on January 24, 2025, the company commissioned an expansion to increase production to 3.75 million tons, during a landmark event attended by President Julius Maada Bio and other dignitaries.
FORBES AFRICA quoted Craig Dean as saying, “Our vision goes beyond production. We’re here to create long-term value through responsible mining, sustainability and direct community investment.”
The Magazine also underscored that Marampa Mines’ iron ore, graded at 65% iron content, is highly sought after globally, especially by steel manufacturers in Europe and China. According to FORBES AFRICA, Craig Dean emphasized that this premium-grade product not only commands higher market prices but also supports eco-friendly steel production by minimizing pollution and improving efficiency; an important edge in today’s environmentally conscious market.
FORBES AFRICA noted that the mine’s operations are having a ripple effect across Sierra Leone’s economy and communities. Over the past three years, the company has contributed more than US$5 million in royalties to the Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms through its Community Development Fund (CDF), which has been instrumental in driving local infrastructure and social development.
“We’re proud that our efforts are not just measured in tonnes of iron ore, but in lives impacted,” Craig Dean told FORBES AFRICA. The Magazine pointed out that these royalty payments are translating into tangible benefits for local populations.
FORBES AFRICA highlighted that the company currently provides employment for more than 3,500 people, both directly and indirectly, with 97% being Sierra Leoneans. The publication also recognized Marampa Mines’ strides in addressing gender disparity in mining, stating that 30% of its workforce is female, making it one of the most inclusive in the global mining sector.
The Magazine emphasized Craig Dean’s belief in capacity building as a cornerstone of sustainability. “Upskilling local talent is central to our strategy, even though it’s a challenging process,” he told FORBES AFRICA, adding that empowering Sierra Leoneans with lifelong skills is a key commitment of the company.
In terms of innovation, FORBES AFRICA revealed that Marampa Mines is pioneering energy transformation through the development of a hybrid power system that includes solar energy. Led by project manager Jasmine, the initiative is expected to cut emissions by 20–30%, reduce costs and help the company align with international ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards.
Craig Dean told FORBES AFRICA, “We are serious about reducing our carbon footprint. This hybrid solution is just one of the many innovations we are integrating to ensure sustainable and efficient operations.”
FORBES AFRICA also reported that Craig Dean praised Sierra Leone’s investment climate, citing political stability and adherence to the rule of law as major incentives for foreign investors. He stated that Marampa Mines is not only a profitable enterprise but also a catalyst for auxiliary industries, including logistics and equipment supply, generating a significant multiplier effect on the national economy.
Looking to the future, Craig Dean expressed to FORBES AFRICA his optimism about deeper collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and international development partners. He stated that Gerald Group is eager to attract more investors who share a long-term vision for the country’s development. “The opportunities here are immense, and with the right partnerships, the sky is truly the limit,” he said.
FORBES AFRICA concluded that Marampa Mines serves as a shining example of how responsible resource extraction, driven by visionary leadership, can catalyze inclusive economic growth, community advancement and environmental stewardship.
