By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
The Government has issued a firm statement discrediting claims by the Gento Group regarding the acquisition of land rights to commence mining operations at the Tonkolili North – Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit.
In a direct rebuttal, the Government clarified that the Kasafoni deposit is exclusively owned and controlled by the Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), a state entity tasked with managing the nation’s mineral assets for the benefit of all citizens.
“The law is clear,” the statement emphasized. “This deposit has been officially allocated to the Corporation by Cabinet and Parliament. No private company, individual, or traditional leader can lease, sell, or assign any rights over it.”
The Government’s position follows recent claims made by the Gento Group and media reports suggesting that the company had secured local agreements to mine in the Kasafoni area, situated in Sula Mountain, Tonkolili District. Authorities have dismissed these assertions as “without legal effect and completely null and void.”
According to legal provisions, only the SLMMDMC has the authority to manage or authorize mining activities in Kasafoni or any other area officially designated to it. Officials have warned that any unauthorized attempts to claim, lease, or operate in the region may result in legal action.
“This asset belongs to the Republic and is protected by law. The public is advised not to enter into any private agreements over it,” the statement added. The Government urged all investors, traditional authorities, and local communities to engage directly with the SLMMDMC and to avoid illegal or misleading arrangements that could jeopardize national resources.
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