The Gento Group of Companies has formally handed over ownership of the Kasafoni land to the Sierra Leone government, following a high-level meeting at the Attorney General’s and Minister of Justice’s offices in Freetown. Mohamed Gento Kamara, CEO of Gento Group, stated that the transfer resolves any outstanding disputes and encumbrances, allowing the state to freely engage with prospective investors to develop the area’s mineral resources.
Kamara informed attendees that the land is now fully under government control and urged authorities to seek “suitable investors who can help develop this resource.” He emphasised that the handover is intended to remove investment barriers and accelerate development so that the country can fully benefit from the Kasafoni iron ore deposit.
The Gento Group’s vision for Kasafoni includes a strategic logistics link between the mine site and the Banana Island Transhipment Port. Kamara argued that connecting the deposit to Banana Island via an efficient transportation corridor—most notably a standard-gauge railway—would establish a strong “pit-to-port” supply chain capable of facilitating large-scale iron ore exports. “Connecting these two sites will create a robust logistical framework that will facilitate the export of iron ore and ultimately lead to greater economic prosperity for our country,” according to him.
Government officials, including representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, welcomed the transfer, describing it as timely and in the national interest. Their response emphasises the importance of taking prompt action on complementary infrastructure projects to bring the Kasafoni deposit into production in a timely and responsible manner.
The Gento Group’s announcement coincides with broader discussions about the infrastructure required to open Sierra Leone’s mining sites. Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura previously identified five critical infrastructure developments needed to unlock mines like Kasafoni, highlighting the importance of standard railways and upgraded port facilities as top priorities. Gento Group has expressed a willingness to support the establishment of these critical facilities if the government provides the necessary funding and policy framework.
Kamara emphasised an immediate, cost-effective option for ore export: utilising existing port facilities, including Pepel Port. He mentioned that the government currently owns a 20% stake in traffic rights at Pepel, which could be used to export Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) without the time-consuming and costly process of building completely new ports and rail lines. “This approach not only saves costs but also accelerates the development process,” Kamara said, advocating for a pragmatic mix of leveraging existing assets and building targeted new infrastructure as needed.
While Gento Group has expressed a willingness to contribute infrastructure capacity, Kamara emphasised that the company’s goals extend beyond commercial gain. He explained the decision to transfer the Kasafoni land as part of a larger commitment to national development and long-term prosperity for Sierra Leoneans. “This is not just about making money; it’s about laying the groundwork for a better future for all Sierra Leoneans,” he said, urging a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Finance, the Mineral Wealth Fund, and the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC).
The handover is expected to pave the way for negotiations between the government and potential investors or partners to fund mine development and the associated logistics network. Government officials have stated that they recognise the importance of aligning infrastructure investments with national objectives such as job creation, revenue generation, and sustainable resource management.
According to observers, the success of such projects will be dependent on timely, coordinated action from a variety of stakeholders. Key tasks include finalising investor agreements, securing financing for rail and port improvements, ensuring transparent and accountable management of mining revenues, and putting in place environmental and social safeguards to protect local communities.
Supporters see Kamara’s proactive stance and public commitment to working with government institutions as a positive example of private-sector involvement in national development priorities. Gento Group hopes to increase investor interest and accelerate the timeline for potential mine development by removing legal uncertainties surrounding the Kasafoni land.
As discussions continue, the pressing question is how quickly the government can mobilise resources and partnerships to achieve the connectivity and infrastructure that Kamara and others consider critical. If properly implemented, connecting Kasafoni to Banana Island and optimising existing port capacity could stimulate significant economic activity—creating jobs, increasing export earnings, and contributing to the overall revitalisation of Sierra Leone’s mining sector and economy.
