By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Parliamentary Committee on Mines and Mineral Resources held a mediation meeting in a bid to resolve a protracted dispute between Sierra Rutile Limited and residents of Moriba Town in Imperri Chiefdom. The session, chaired by Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, addressed concerns raised by the local community regarding the company’s obligations.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Lamina emphasized the Committee’s constitutional role in overseeing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as its responsibility to mediate disputes when necessary. He reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector in Sierra Leone, citing the recently amended Mines and Minerals Development Act and a notable 70% increase in surface rent aimed at improving community benefits.
Committee member Hon. Fatmata Bockarie echoed the community’s long-standing grievances, particularly regarding crop compensation. She urged both parties to engage in a fair and transparent resolution process.
Regent Chief Leslie Turker Thomas, representing the community, reported that the conflict had persisted for over a year. He claimed Sierra Rutile had only paid 2.5 billion Leones of an agreed total of 4 billion Leones for crop compensation, leaving a balance of 1.5 billion Leones unpaid. Additionally, he accused the company of neglecting surface rent obligations, intimidating residents with security personnel, and terminating workers without due benefits.
In response, Sierra Rutile’s Chief Operating Officer, Kenelm Walta Hughes, asserted that the company had met all its obligations up to December 2024. He acknowledged that while some payments were outstanding, delays stemmed from the need for further verification. According to Hughes, the total outstanding liability was approximately 4.168 million Leones, with 1.784 million Leones yet to be disbursed, and he indicated that payments had been withheld pending a thorough investigation.
In conclusion, the Committee set forth several directives to promote transparency and facilitate a resolution:
- A five-member subcommittee will investigate the disputed grassland area and the actual boundaries of the company’s concession.
- Sierra Rutile is required to provide coordinate data and a drone survey of the area.
- The Committee will collaborate with the National Minerals Agency (NMA) before finalizing its decision.
- A report from a crop assessor must be submitted at the next adjourned meeting.
- All parties are urged to maintain peace and refrain from further conflict until the hearing resumes on Wednesday.
The Parliamentary Committee reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring fairness and fostering a harmonious relationship between mining companies and their host communities.
For further inquiries, please contact the Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
