Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG) welcomes legitimate parliamentary scrutiny. We reject, with evidence, the falsehoods repeated on the floor of Parliament by Hon. Aminata Sesay, Member for Port Loko District. Her statement was not oversight; it was a reheated script from a 2023 strike she personally incited an incident for which she was reprimanded by the Ministry of Labour delegation that led the resolution of the strike for “unlawful industrial agitation”.
Hon. Sesay alleged that Sierra Leonean workers at LRMG’s Pepel operations are being subjected to poor and discriminatory working conditions, including lack of toilet facilities, access to clean drinking water, and unequal treatment compared to their foreign colleagues.
Toilet and Sanitation Facilities
The concerns raised regarding toilet facilities were among the issues discussed during the industrial strike negotiations held last year. Following that engagement, the matter was immediately addressed, and modern sanitary facilities were installed across our operational sites to ensure that all staff local and expatriate have equal access to proper hygiene amenities.
Clean Water and Meals
The company provides treated drinking water and standardized meals to all workers, without discrimination. Our catering and facility management teams operate under strict health and safety guidelines to ensure fairness and compliance with Sierra Leone’s labour and environmental standards.
Alleged Video Incident
Management strongly denies any knowledge or evidence of foreign nationals filming or mocking Sierra Leonean workers. No such report has ever been filed through our internal grievance mechanisms, security unit, or to any government oversight body.
Leone Rock maintains a zero-tolerance policy against harassment or disrespect of any kind and would act decisively should any verified incident occur.
Employee Injury Case
With reference to the claim of an employee losing three fingers and being forced to return to work, we wish to clarify that the unfortunate accident was immediately reported, the injured staff member received proper medical attention, and was not required to resume duties until fully cleared by medical professionals. This case was handled transparently and in accordance with the company’s safety procedures.
Timeline of Malice
The sequence shows retaliation, not concern.
- In 2024 – Hon. Sesay asks LRMG to fund the Rehabilitation of a Primary school in her village; we decline (because it did not meet our CSR threshold).
- 16 Oct 2025 – she repeats every allegation already disproved in 2023.
Cost to the Nation
The 2023 strike she incited cost the country millions in lost royalties and put over 8,000 Sierra Leonean jobs at risk. Reigniting the same issues endangers an operation that contributes millions in taxes and royalties —money that builds schools, hospitals and roads.
Parliament has a right indeed a duty to hold companies accountable. It also has a duty to protect Sierra Leone’s economy from serial misinformation. Hon. Sesay’s allegations are not only false; they are a repeat performance of conduct already found unlawful. We trust the House will deal with this matter accordingly and allow us to get on with the business of responsible mining, transparent taxes, and over 8,000 pay packets that depend on truth, not theatrics.
For further information please contact:
Public Affairs Office, LRMG
