Craig Dean, Chairman of Marampa Mines and CEO of Gerald Group, Speaks with Forbes Africa on Transforming Local Communities and Mining Operations for the Future

To read the original interview on page 32 between Craig Dean and Forbes Africa, please click here.

Craig Dean, Executive Chairman and CEO of Gerald Group, the owner and operator of Marampa Mines, was recently interviewed by Forbes Africa as part of Forbes’s Sierra Leone 2025 series. The interview centered around discussing how responsible mining in countries such as Sierra Leone can be key to transforming local communities via the compelling African mining sector, and how mining operations can focus beyond production and technology and embrace improved sustainability.

Marampa Mines (in the Northern province of Sierra Leone) is a producer of high-grade iron ore beneficiated to 65% iron content which commands premium prices globally. As a flagship project of Gerald Group, Marampa Mines stands as a model of sustainable progress, community engagement, and operational excellence in Sierra Leone. Under the leadership of Craig Dean, the company has successfully revitalized the Marampa iron ore project and created significant socio-economic impact, by playing a vital role in stimulating growth in Sierra Leone through job creation and innovative and sustainable development.

Craig Dean spoke at length with Forbes about the impact of Marampa Mines and emphasized Gerald Group’s long-term commitment, which stems from the mine’s vast potential and its alignment with Group values. “We are focused on creating value not only through production but also through responsible community engagement and sustainability,” Dean says.

After overcoming earlier challenges, Gerald Group successfully resumed operations at Marampa Mines, investing over US$400 million to rejuvenate one of Sierra Leone’s largest and most significant mining projects. “We began with an annual production of 2 million tons of iron ore and expanded to 3.25 million tons and we commissioned our next target, 3.75 million tons on the 24th of January 2025 with further immediate potential to scale up to 5 million tons annually,” Dean says.

Craig stated that in January 2025, Marampa Mines proudly celebrated its M3.75 expansion and community contributions with H.E. President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and many acclaimed guests. The M3.75 expansion at Marampa Mines secures a 100-year mine life, reinforcing long-term economic stability for Sierra Leone. What distinguishes Marampa Mines is the in-country value addition to beneficiate to a premium 65% iron content. Craig explains that “Our high-grade iron ore also reduces pollution and enhances efficiency for steel mills, especially in Europe and China, where environmental concerns drive demand,”

This focus on quality has solidified Marampa Mines’ position in the competitive global iron ore market, dominated by the big three Rio Tinto, Vale, and BHP. A proud cornerstone of both Marampa Mines and Gerald Group is how Marampa Mines operations are significant contribution to Sierra Leone’s local communities and economy.

Throughout the interview, Craig proudly shared that the mine has made historic community royalty contributions to the Marampa and Maforki primary host communities through its Community Development Fund (CDF) —over US$5 million in the last three years. “These contributions have and continue to have profound impacts, creating tangible development in the region,” Craig emphasized. Marampa Mines has also long prioritized local employment and gender diversity. Craig added “We employ over 3,500 people, directly and indirectly as contractors, 97% of whom are Sierra Leoneans, Achieving a workforce with 30% women is unheard of in mining, but we’re proud to lead this change,”

A key point that Craig emphasized with Forbes Africa is that Marampa Mines has been exceptionally committed to upskilling the workforce: “Training local talent is essential, though it comes with significant challenges. Skilled workers are in demand, and we remain steadfast in empowering Sierra Leoneans.” Marampa Mines is pushing the boundaries of sustainable mining through innovative energy solutions that aid community development projects and aid corporate success.

Gerald Group and Marampa Mines, aware of the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, the company is looking at investing in a hybrid energy system at the facility. Jasmin Roberts, Vice President and Head of Energy Solutions at Marampa Mines Limited, outlined the vision: “We hope to integrate solar power, targeting a 20-30% reduction in emissions with our mining operations. This will lower costs and align with ESG goals, making our product even cleaner.” The hybrid energy project complements Marampa Mines’ broader environmental, social, and governance strategy.

Building on this Craig told Forbes, “We understand the importance of minimizing our carbon footprint and continuously improving operational efficiency,” Dean says. Craig is extremely confident about Sierra Leone’s investment potential, positioning the country as a secure and stable destination for overseas investment, global trade, and business. “Sierra Leone has experienced political stability, which is critical for long-term projects like ours. Investors can feel confident about the rule of law and the safety of operations here,” he says.

Craig rounded off the interview by emphasizing the broader economic impact of Marampa Mines: “Our success creates opportunities for auxiliary industries. Companies providing equipment, logistics, and services see the growth potential, further boosting the economy.” Craig believes that sustained collaboration with the government in Sierra Leone and wider strategic partnerships will unlock even greater potential for the country.

“We are advocates for the country. As we grow, we hope to attract other serious investors who can contribute to the nation’s development,” he says. “The opportunities here are vast, and with the right partnerships and support, the sky is the limit.