By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
Marampa Mines Limited (MML) has on Friday January 24, 2025 marked a significant turning point in Sierra Leone’s mining sector with two landmark achievements: the commissioning of the M3.75 Expansion Project and the presentation of the 2023 & 2024 Community Development Fund (CDF). These milestones are set to revolutionize the local mining industry and uplift host communities.
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio inaugurated the $3.75 million expansion at the Marampa Mines, which includes cutting-edge equipment aimed at producing 3.75 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore annually. Dubbed “M3.75,” this expansion represents the largest single import of mining equipment in Sierra Leone’s history and is a cornerstone of the Bio administration’s strategy to attract foreign investment and foster equitable community development.
During the event, President Bio distributed SLE 83.7 million (approximately $3.7 million) as part of the Community Development Fund to the residents of Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms. This fund, mandated by the mining agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and Marampa Mines Limited, is designed to directly benefit host communities.
“This expansion and the funds distributed today reflect our commitment to creating opportunities for our people while fostering foreign investment,” President Bio stated. “We are ensuring that communities are not left behind as our nation progresses.”
The CDF has already financed transformative projects, including solar lighting for over 700 households, school infrastructure upgrades and vocational training for 408 individuals. Future projects include road rehabilitation, solar-powered streetlights, and the construction of a 100-bed hospital.
The M3.75 project introduces state-of-the-art equipment, such as a Gyratory Crusher, Re-grind Mill, SAG Mill, and heavy-duty cranes, enhancing operational efficiency and product quality. The expansion positions Sierra Leone as a key player in the global mining sector by producing premium-quality Marampa Blue™ iron ore for international markets.
The advanced technology also incorporates a cyclone deposition system for dry stack tailings, a first in Sierra Leone. This innovation minimizes environmental impact, aligns with global sustainability standards, and extends the mine’s lifespan to approximately 100 years.
Plant engineers highlighted the transformative potential of the facility, stating that the upgraded capacity would improve Sierra Leone’s global competitiveness in the iron ore market.
President Bio toured the M3.75 plant and commended Marampa Mines for adopting cutting-edge technology. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that mining activities translate into tangible benefits for local communities.
“Marampa Mines has a responsibility to improve living standards for host communities, and we will hold them accountable,” the President stated.
President Bio reaffirmed his administration’s steadfast support for the company, commending its adoption of advanced technology as a driver of industrial growth. He encouraged the Marampa and Maforki Chiefdom communities in Port Loko District to view Marampa Mines as a key partner in advancing economic development.
“The Government is committed to ensuring that investments like these directly benefit our people,” President Bio stated. “Marampa Mines has a duty to uplift the living standards of local communities, and we will continue to hold them accountable to that promise.”
The Bio-led Government remains committed to strategically aligning Sierra Leone’s mining sector with national development objectives, ensuring that foreign investments yield tangible benefits for all citizens, he intimated.
As part of this vision, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio toured the Marampa Mine facility to inspect its newly commissioned ‘M3.75’ plant and machinery. This facility represents the largest single import of mining equipment in Sierra Leone’s history, marking a significant milestone for the country’s industrial landscape.
The state-of-the-art equipment is tailored to meet the increasing global demand for high-grade iron ore, underscoring Marampa Mines’ dedication to producing cleaner, low-carbon steel. During the inspection, plant engineers emphasized the transformative potential of the M3.75 facility, which is designed to boost production capacity to 3.75 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). They highlighted how this advancement will enhance the company’s global competitiveness while ensuring the delivery of premium-quality iron ore to international markets.
The newly acquired equipment includes cutting-edge machinery such as a Gyratory Crusher, Re-grind Mill, SAG Mill, and two heavy-duty cranes with capacities of 60 tons and 300 tons, respectively. Explaining the operational workflow, an onsite guide detailed how the SAG Mill will refine processed iron ore from the Crusher into Marampa Blue™—a high-grade product celebrated for its exceptional quality.
This visit underscores the Government’s determination to create a mining sector that not only thrives economically but also contributes meaningfully to the development of Sierra Leone and its people.
Community leaders also expressed gratitude for the government’s role in securing these benefits. A representative from Maforki Chiefdom remarked, “This fund will help us address critical needs, from education to healthcare.”
Marampa Mines has set benchmarks in corporate social responsibility. Over 2,000 direct jobs and 3,000 contractor positions have been created, with a 30% employment quota for women. The company has also awarded 208 fully funded university scholarships.
“Sustainability is at the core of our operations,” said Patricia Nicolopoulos, CFO of Gerald Group, representing Marampa Mines CEO Craig Dean. “The Community Development Fund underscores our commitment to creating lasting value for our host communities.”
Chief Operating Officer Fred Lotti noted that since its reopening in 2021, Marampa Mines has consistently prioritized innovation and community development.
The Marampa Mines expansion project has received widespread international recognition. U.S. Ambassador David D. Hunt hailed the initiative as “a milestone in sustainable and responsible mining practices,” while British High Commissioner Josephine Gaud commended its potential to attract further foreign investments to Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Hunt underscored the project’s significance, emphasizing its alignment with global best practices in sustainable mining. Similarly, High Commissioner Gaud highlighted the importance of leveraging such investments to unlock the nation’s vast resource potential and drive economic growth.
Marampa Mines continues to set industry benchmarks in corporate social responsibility, focusing on environmental stewardship, gender equity, and inclusivity. By the end of 2023, women made up over 30% of the workforce, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity. Sustainability remains at the core of Marampa Mines’ vision, with significant investments in renewable energy and innovative technologies aimed at reducing its carbon footprint.
The M3.75 Expansion Project signals a transformative era for Sierra Leone’s mining sector, promising substantial economic growth, job creation, and improved community welfare. Under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, the government remains dedicated to championing private-sector investments, ensuring that resource extraction delivers tangible and lasting benefits for local communities.
The M3.75 Expansion Project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities. It strengthens Sierra Leone’s position in the global mining industry while ensuring that local communities reap the rewards.
As President Bio aptly summarized, “Our progress is not just about numbers—it is about the lives we touch and the opportunities we create for future generations.”
Craig Dean, Executive Chairman and CEO of Marampa Mines Limited, expressed his pride in the company’s accomplishments and its commitment to community development, stating: “We believe that by investing in the communities that host us, we can create lasting, positive change. The presentation of the 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund highlights MML’s ongoing dedication and partnership with local communities. We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of our success are shared by everyone who lives alongside our operations.”
The introduction of hard rock mining at Marampa enables the production of a premium product, boosting the international recognition of the “Marampa Blue” brand. This high-grade iron ore is expected to further elevate Sierra Leone’s standing on the global mining stage.
By incorporating advanced technologies and optimizing resource extraction methods, Marampa Mines has reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and environmental sustainability. The expansion to 3.75 million tonnes per year strengthens Marampa’s position as a global leader in sustainable iron ore mining.
With a vision rooted in sustainability and community empowerment, Marampa Mines Limited is setting new standards in mining operations, solidifying its position as a global leader in the industry.
Marampa Mines Limited, owned by the Gerald Group, has completed its largest investment, expanding its production capacity to 3.75 million tonnes of iron ore annually. This expansion incorporates cutting-edge technology, including a cyclone deposition system for environmentally friendly tailings management, a first in Sierra Leone. The expansion also extends the mine’s life to at least 100 years and supports the processing of diverse ore types.
The company’s introduction of hard rock mining and its premium “Marampa Blue” iron ore product strengthens Sierra Leone’s global mining presence.
Marampa Mines continues to focus on technological innovation, operational excellence and environmental stewardship while benefiting local communities and contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.
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