Marampa Mines Celebrates Historic Milestones: Commissioning of M3.75 Expansion and Presentation of 83.7 Million Leones Community Development Fund with Presidential Support

Lunsar, Port Loko District, Sierra Leone – January 24, 2025 – Marampa Mines Limited (MML) has marked a monumental day in Sierra Leone’s mining history with the official commissioning of its M3.75 expansion project and the presentation of its 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund (CDF). The highly anticipated event took place today, and was attended by President Julius Maada Bio, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Mattai, and Chief Minister David Sengeh.

Also present were several distinguished guests, including U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan David Hunt, U.K. High Commissioner to Sierra Leone Josephine Gauld, and the Paramount Chiefs of the Marampa and Maforki Chiefdoms: Bai Koblo Queen and Bai Forki Fainka II.

The completion of the M3.75 expansion, which increases Marampa’s iron ore production capacity to 3.75 million tonnes per year, represents not only the company’s largest-ever investment but also a significant commitment to Sierra Leone’s future. The expansion introduces cutting-edge technology and environmental best practices. The expansion will also enable Marampa Mines to process hard rock iron ore, extending the operational life of the mine to about 100 years, ensuring long-term economic stability for Sierra Leone.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the local communities, Marampa Mines proudly presented its 2023 and 2024 Community Development Fund (CDF), totaling an unprecedented 83.7 million  leones (USD $3.7 million). The CDF is allocated from 1% of Marampa’s revenue and will focus on sustainable development initiatives in education, healthcare, economic development, and environmental sustainability within the host communities of Marampa and Maforki chiefdoms.

In his keynote address, President Maada Bio noted the shared goal between his government and Marampa Mines to community growth. “My government philosophy is that of inclusive development and I’ve always believed that people from the mining community should have tangible benefits from mining companies’ operations. Today a payment of another round of CDA funds by MML shows the company’s commitment to that philosophy.”

This fund, which represents the largest single donation from any mining company in Sierra Leone’s history, underscores Marampa Mines’ dedication to the long-term well-being of the communities in which it operates.

The president also challenged the local community in distributing the financial investment. “It is now left with you in this mining area to utilize these funds to further your social and economic priorities, in addition to government direct support,” said President Bio.

A formal check presentation ceremony took place during the event, with the Paramount Chiefs, Bai Koblo Queen of the Marampa Chiefdom and Bai Forki Fainka II of the Maforki Chiefdom, accepting the funds on behalf of their communities. This generous contribution underscores Marampa Mines’ ongoing commitment to creating lasting, positive change in the lives of those who live and work around its operations.

Patricia Nikolopoulos, CFO of the Gerald Group, emphasized the importance of the CDF in her address. “Through this fund, we will support projects that have a direct and lasting impact on the people who live here,” said Nikolopoulos. “We will continue to innovate, grow, and ensure that both our operations and the communities we serve prosper together.”

Following the speeches, President Bio, along with Minister Julius Mattai, community leaders, and other distinguished guests toured the Marampa Mines site, where they officially commissioned the new Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mill, a key component of the expansion. The mill’s commissioning is another significant step in modernizing the mine and improving the efficiency of Marampa’s high-grade iron ore production process.

President Maada Bio also participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the expanded mining operations along with the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Mattai.

U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt underscored the positive impact of Marampa Mines to Sierra Leone and the U.S. “As Marampa Mines continues to expand its operations here, both of our countries gain through increased trade, job creation, and shared prosperity,” said Ambassador Hunt. He added, “This partnership fosters economic growth that benefits both Sierra Leonean communities and the broader Sierra Leonean and U.S. economies, strengthening ties that promote long-term development and cooperation.“

U.K. High Commissioner Josephine Gauld highlighted the economic and development potential of Marampa Mines’ expansion and financial commitment. “This investment brings with it not just economic opportunities, but also the promise of positive social impact with the contribution to the community development fund,” said High Commissioner Gauld.

The successful completion of Marampa Mines’ M3.75 expansion and the launch of the 83.7 million leones Community Development Fund set a new standard for responsible mining in Sierra Leone. With its focus on innovation, sustainability, and community development, Marampa Mines is positioned for continued growth and leadership in the global iron ore market, all while making a lasting positive impact on the local communities.

“These milestones reflect the hard work, dedication, and partnership that have brought us here,” said Nikolopoulos. “They also serve as a reminder that our journey is far from over. As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring sustainable development for Sierra Leone and its people.”

About Marampa Mines Limited:
Marampa Mines Limited (MML) is a leading iron ore mining company in Sierra Leone, owned by the Gerald Group and the Government of Sierra Leone. The company operates one of the most significant high-grade iron ore projects in West Africa, with a strong commitment to sustainable mining practices, community development, and environmental responsibility. Through continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology and a focus on long-term growth, Marampa Mines aims to set new standards for the global mining industry.

For more information, please contact:
Marampa Mines Media Relations
Email: media@marampamines.com
Website: www.marampamines.com