By Lawrence Williams
The paramount chiefs of Sambaia, Dansogola, and Diang chiefdoms in the Tonkolili North have jointly informed the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources of a newly signed land lease agreement with the Gento Group of Companies, granting exclusive mining rights over the Kasafoni iron ore deposit.
In a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, PC Sheku Magba Koroma III of Diang Chiefdom, PC Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III of Sambaia Chiefdom, and PC Alimamy Bockarie Yallan Koroma III of Dansogola Chiefdom jointly emphasized their unanimous approval of Gento Group — a 100% Sierra Leonean-owned company — as the rightful leaseholder of the mining area.
The chiefs highlighted long-standing frustrations with the conduct of many foreign mining companies operating in Sierra Leone, referencing recent conflicts in Kono district where hundreds of indigenous workers at Koidu Holdings were unlawfully dismissed by the company following agitations for improved welfare and working conditions. The letter notes that women and youths in the chiefdoms made clear their support for the Gento Group as a matter of fundamental human rights and local ownership.
“As custodians of the land, together with the landowners, we have unanimously accepted and agreed to lease the Kasafoni area to the Gento Group of Companies,” the letter states.
The chiefs stressed that, in line with the Mines and Mineral Development Act, any large-scale mining licence must be preceded by a land lease agreement with the rightful landowners — a condition fully met by the Gento Group.
Moreover, the chiefs declared that no other company, institution, or entity should be permitted to undertake mining activities on the leased land without the express consent of the Gento Group.
The letter also conveyed that the Gento Group has expressed openness to collaborate with other partners interested in mining on the land, but that all such activities should be coordinated through the company.
“We kindly request the Ministry to inform any interested parties to contact the Gento Group as the exclusive leaseholder,” the chiefs wrote, expressing confidence in the Ministry’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and respect local agreements.