Leone Rock Metal Group has paid a total of One Million, Five Hundred and Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Two New Leones (NLe 1,502,352.0) in surface rent to the communities of Tane, Kholifa Rowalla, Kafe, Simiria, Dansogoia, and Sambaia in Tonkolili District. This payment reflects the company’s commitment to legal compliance and sustainable community development in the region.
The surface rent payment aligns with Section 36 of the Mines and Minerals Act 2022, which mandates mining companies to fulfill this obligation as part of their operational responsibilities. The distribution of the payment was as follows: 70% to the landowners, 10% to the Paramount Chiefs, 10% to the District Council and 10% to the Constituency Development Fund.
A formal payment ceremony was attended by key community leaders, who expressed appreciation for Leone Rock Metal Group’s continued contributions. Paramount Chief A.B.Y. commended the company for honoring its obligations and praised its responsible corporate conduct and support for local development.
Madam Yabom Sesay, Chairperson of the Tonkolili District Council, acknowledged the company’s positive impact on the district, highlighting the tangible benefits for local communities. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to further strengthen the relationship between the company and the people.
Ibrahim Sesay, Senior Community Coordinator, underscored the crucial role of community support in fostering a peaceful and conducive environment for development. “When we work together in harmony, we create opportunities for growth, progress, and mutual success,” he stated.
Mr. Samuel J. Kamara, Compliance Manager at Leone Rock Metal Group, expressed gratitude to community stakeholders for maintaining an enabling business environment. He reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainable development and corporate social responsibility while overseeing the distribution of surface rent payments across the chiefdoms.
Leone Rock Metal Group remains steadfast in fulfilling its legal obligations, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement, responsible mining practices, and long-term socio-economic development in Tonkolili District.
