• Marampa Mines implements new logistics solution to enhance marine transportation efficiencies
• USD 10 million paid to the Government of Sierra Leone on 29 October 2021, the first installment of a fixed sum of USD 20 million as the current “Stockpile” is monetised
• Restarted production of premium grade >65% Fe content iron ore concentrate (“IOC”), one of the highest grades in Africa and among the cleanest grades globally
• Plans to conduct technical studies in 2022 for optimising the production of premium grade iron ore, critical for carbon emissions reduction in the steelmaking process

Lunsar, Sierra Leone, 29 October, 2021: Marampa Mines Limited, (“MML”, “Marampa Mines” or “the Company”) a subsidiary of Gerald Group (“Gerald”), one of the world’s leading metals merchants, has completed loading of its first Capesize and set sail carrying over 175,000 WMT of premium grade iron ore concentrate. The Capesize, M.V. Athenian Phoenix, completed cargo loading and departed from Freetown Outer Anchorage yesterday evening the 28 October 2021.

Gerald has implemented a new logistics solution for marine transportation of material from MML’s own Thofeyim River Terminal to Freetown Port Harbour, by purchasing its own fleet of river coasters and a transhipper, thereby enhancing efficiencies in the export logistics process. This export solution does not rely on 3^rd party contracted river barges or smaller geared Ocean-Going Vessels which are less efficient.  With the new logistics solution, Capesize vessels are able to be loaded efficiently at a deep-water anchorage at Freetown Harbour on a consistent and stable basis.

Frederic Lotti, Marampa Mines’ COO and the Group’s Global Head of Investments, said: “I am pleased that ‘Marampa Blue^TM’ high grade iron ore concentrate routed through the Thofeyim River Terminal and the Loko river completed loading on a Capesize vessel for the very first time in the history of Marampa, and set sail on Thursday evening, the 28 October 2021. Loading capesize vessels will materially improve efficiencies in our overall supply chain, a key objective not only in reducing our operating cost, but also in advancing our ESG plan and minimising our carbon footprint”.

Timothy Musa Kabba, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources in the Sierra Leone Government, added: “Sierra Leone’s economic growth is largely based on export earnings from natural resources, particularly from iron ore. My ministry continues to work on the development of the mines and mineral resources sector at a key time in Sierra Leone’s pathway to economic stability and recovery. The restart of Marampa Mines represents a crucial step forward in our new direction”.

With the export of the current Capesize, Marampa Mines is about two-thirds through exporting its initial “Stockpile” of ~707k tonnes of iron ore concentrate, beneficiated by SL Mining Limited and known as Marampa Blue^TM, following an out of court settlement, which ended a long-standing dispute between the Government of Sierra Leone and SL Mining. As per the “Contract Regarding Sale of Iron Ore Stockpile” signed on 25 May 2021 pursuant to the binding settlement signed on 7 May 2021, the Company has paid USD 10 million to the Government on 29 October 2021, the first installment of a fixed sum of USD 20 million as the Stockpile is monetised, and the second installment of USD 10 million by 31 December 2021.

Marampa Mines successfully restarted mining and processing of Marampa Blue^TM on 1 September 2021, and will raise production of >65% iron ore concentrate from 2M tonnes per year to 3.25M tonnes per year within 12 months. MML will concurrently look at options to implement major expansions to leverage on its compliant mineral resources of approximately 1.7B tonnes of ore. Today, MML employs around 800 people on-site, of which approximately 90% are Sierra Leoneans, and the Project is expected to create a total of 1,400 jobs by early 2022.  The Company is implementing a comprehensive modular training program for Sierra Leonean staff, including training women for the workforce and within the community.

Media enquiries:  E-mail media@marampamines.com or media@gerald.com, Tel: +44(0)203 805 2000 or view https://marampamines.com/gallery/.

 About Marampa Mines Limited

 Marampa Mines Limited a subsidiary of Gerald Group Limited, is engaged in the development and production of iron ore concentrate from estimated resources of approximately 1.7B tonnes at Marampa in the Port Look District of the northern province of Sierra Leone. The Company, 90% owned by the Gerald Group, with the remaining 10% owned by the Government of Sierra Leone, is committed to being a globally competitive, world-class iron ore concentrate producer. Through sustainable investment, expertise and long-term commitment to the Marampa Project, MML aims to materially increase production of >65% Fe quality iron ore concentrate branded Marampa Blue^TM, among the highest quality in Africa and one of the cleanest grades globally. The Company aims to be a significant contributor to Sierra Leone’s economy and local communities. ESG initiatives are aimed at embracing the challenges relating to climate change, women advancement, farming and education to build a better and sustainable future where the Company operates.