Sierra Leone: Sierra Rutile pays Le3.7 Billion To Land Owners in Operational Areas

Le3.7billion has been paid to land owners in Sierra Rutile operational areas. The amount was paid to five chiefdoms in two districts. The rent, apart from the 50% that went to landowners, was paid into funds for development activities in various public sectors including: district councils, constituency development fund, chiefdom administrative Fund and Paramount Chiefs.

“Sierra Rutile Limited has never reneged on its statutory responsibilities since it commenced operations in the country. Not only has it been enthusiastic in implementing corporate social responsibility projects, it has also been a beacon of employment for indigenous Sierra Leoneans” says Henry Kamara, Community Affairs and Public Relations Officer of the National Minerals Agency during payment of the 2016 Surface Rent at Sierra Rutile Plant Site.

Preceding statement from Shaka Kawa, the representative of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, who doubled as the Human Resource Officer reiterated Sierra Rutile Limited’s commitment in meeting its obligations as enshrined in the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 and the SRL Agreement (Ratification) Act of 2002.
Payment of this year’s surface rent was made amid global crisis in the mining industry, following a considerable drop in the price of mineral commodities in the world market-of which rutile is no exception. In-spite of this, SRL has lived up to its obligations in paying dues while maintaining a sound employment record.

In the two districts (Moyamba and Bonthe) where its operations sit, the company has proven to be a source of hope even in the worst natural disaster in the country’s history.

 This was mentioned by the Paramount Chiefs of Upper Banta Chiefdom, PC. Tommy Mualele Jomba VII and that of Bagruwa Chiefdom, PC Robert C.S. Papapwe during the April 2016 payment:
“We are very much grateful for the support given to us by Sierra Rutile during the Ebola outbreak. While most other companies were closing their operations, Sierra Rutile geared itself up to protect us against the disease. This shows how compassionate the company’s management team is to our people. This is the reason why we exercised patience when management told us that money to pay this year’s surface rent was not readily available in the first quarter of the year. We are certain that our relationship with Rutile will forever remain formidable” they noted in similar sentiments.

Sierra Rutile’s General Manager, Desmond G. Williams explained to the gathering that SRL has a mandate from the government to work in harmony with inhabitants in host communities and at the same time paying its dues. He pointed out the constraints that confront the global mineral industry and expressed appreciations to authorities for holding on to the fort following delay in this year’s payment. He urged them (chiefs and landowners) to cooperate with management for the success of the company.

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