Minenet Company (SL) Limited has successfully disbursed surface rent payments to landowners in the Ribbi, Bumpeh, and Kongbora Chiefdoms, located in the Moyamba District. The total payment amounted to One Million Four Hundred Thousand New Leones (NLe 1,400,000), which translates to a staggering One Billion Four Hundred Million old Leones. This significant financial transaction took place over the weekend of January 10-11, 2025, marking a pivotal moment for both the company and the local communities.
Minenet Company is a limited liability entity that has been incorporated and registered in Sierra Leone, primarily focusing on mining and exporting valuable minerals such as Zircon and Rutile, as well as engaging in related business activities associated with the Atlantic Hotel. The company’s commitment to the local community was highlighted during the payment ceremony, where various stakeholders expressed their optimism for a mutually beneficial relationship. During the welcome address, Paramount Chief Alfred Ndomawa Banya warmly welcomed Minenet to their communities. He praised the company, describing them as honest and trustworthy. Chief Banya noted that Minenet had adhered to all governmental directives before commencing mining operations, without any lapses. He expressed hope that the company would maintain this integrity as they move forward and urged the National Minerals Agency (NMA) to intensify its oversight to ensure compliance with regulations. Charlie A.S. Harvey, the Community Liaison Officer for the National Minerals Agency, confirmed the surface rent payments made to the three chiefdoms. He explained that these payments are part of the concessions granted to Minenet Company. According to Sierra Leonean law, the distribution of the payments is structured such that 70% is allocated to the landowners, 10% goes to the Paramount Chiefs, another 10% to the District Council, and the remaining 10% is designated for Parliamentarians representing the chiefdoms. Harvey assured the community members that the amounts distributed were by the agreed terms. He also emphasized the paramount chiefs’ authority over the trees on the land and informed them that the community would receive an additional 1% for community development only after mining operations commence.
Minenet Company Manager Jian Zhang spoke about the potential for a win-win situation between the company and the local communities. She reiterated her commitment to adhering to the laws of Sierra Leone and called upon the community to unite for their collective development. Zhang’s remarks underscored the importance of collaboration and transparency in fostering a positive relationship between the mining company and the residents. Consultant Salam Koroma elaborated on Minenet’s plans, revealing that the company is embarking on its first large-scale mining concession in the Moyamba District. He explained that the payments to landowners are calculated based on square kilometres rather than acres, which addresses the common issue of landowners being unaware of their exact land measurements. To resolve this, Minenet has engaged surveyors to accurately assess the land in the presence of the landowners and clarify their entitlements. In preparation for full-scale operations set to begin in April, Minenet is currently focused on improving local infrastructure, particularly roads, to facilitate easier access to the mining sites. Koroma also mentioned the company’s commitment to assessing farmers’ crops for compensation, ensuring that local agricultural interests are considered. He highlighted that employment opportunities would be made available to qualified community members, emphasizing the company’s dedication to local development. Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray addressed the audience, elucidating the legal framework governing mining activities in Sierra Leone. He pointed out that Minenet made the 2024 surface rent payment despite not yet commencing full-scale mining operations, as mandated by law. Mansaray further clarified that while there is no fixed price for land, landowners have the opportunity to negotiate terms that suit their interests. The payment ceremony was chaired by Chiefdom Speaker Nathaniel G. Kangajee, who also made significant remarks that fostered dialogue between the community and the company. Overall, the event marked a hopeful beginning for both Minenet and the local communities, setting the stage for future collaboration and development in the region.
