05/13/2025
BAUXITE EXPLORATION BRINGS HOPE TO PORT LOKO: COMPANIES COMMIT TO JOBS, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
By: John Abass Koroma
Port Loko District, Sierra Leone - Excitement is building in the Koya, Marampa, Maforki, and Bekeloko chiefdoms, as three mining companies: VIP Mining Company, Sandhill Mining Company Area 1, and Sandhill Mining Company Area 2, move forward with plans to explore bauxite deposits in the mineral-rich northwest district of Sierra Leone.
This initiative, which has been bolstered by community consultations and presentation draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) reports, is seen as a potential game-changer for job creation, infrastructure enhancement, and long-term economic revitalization in these historically neglected areas.
After months of engaging with stakeholders, the companies have proposed a Community Development Fund of seventy five thousand United State Dollars ($75,000), aimed at supporting education, healthcare, agriculture, road repairs, clean water access, and electricity supply. While stakeholders including the Port Loko District Council Chairman and the Paramount Chiefs of the various chiefdoms as well as land owners have debated the adequacy of this amount, company representatives assert that it’s just the beginning of a deeper commitment to the communities.
“This isn’t merely about exploration. It’s about building lasting partnerships,” a company consultant Dr. David Koroma shared during a public disclosure session. “The $75,000 is our initial pledge, we’re ready to expand as the project progresses to mining proper, shaped by community input and development needs.”
The recent public disclosure sessions, which took place on May 12 and 13, 2025, created a space for open dialogue and transparency. During these sessions, the environmental consultancy ENGIMS shared a draft of their Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, aligning with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act. This ESIA shed light on both the socio-economic opportunities and the environmental factors associated with the project. While any large-scale initiative carries its share of risks, the companies involved have committed to following national regulations and international best practices, including strong strategies for air quality, noise management, and safeguarding agricultural land and forestry. “We are going to ensure that the companies pay keen attention to the protection of water and other natural resources that matters most to the people” Sheku Sillah, the EPA regional Manager Northern Region assured.
Land owners and other community members voiced their optimism that this project could lead to meaningful change in the district. “For years, we’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this,” remarked the Regent Paramount Chief, Foday Santigie Kanu of Bekeloko chiefdom. “We need jobs, better roads, and access to healthcare, this project could really spark that change as seen in Marampa and Maforki.” Land owners are actively pushing for more community benefits and environmental safeguards. Still, some have recognized the companies’ efforts to engage openly and address concerns in a constructive manner.
“As long as the commitments are kept and the community stays involved at every stage, this could be a win-win for everyone,” noted the Member of Parliament Hon Abdul Karim Kamara representing Port Loko District. He reiterates that with the consent of stakeholders for the exploration process in their communities, no one by law is expected to pose any challenge to the investors but to support them achieve their aim and objectives.
Decision of stakeholders after the two days public disclosure and consultative workshop held at the Port Loko district Council and the conference center repspectively, have it that, VIP Mining Company, Sandhill Mining Company Area 1 and Sandhill Mining Company Area 2 can now proceed with the large scale exploration of bauxite in the four chiefdoms with the agreed guidelines and community development activities.
As discussions progress, all eyes are on the four chiefdoms, where leaders and residents are contemplating a promising new chapter built on collaboration, development, and shared prosperity.
