Cornerstone Laying Ceremony of 12-Million-MT Mineral Processing Plant

On March 30, 2023, Ambassador Wang Qing accompanied H.E. President Julius Maada Bio to attend Leone Rock Metal Group cornerstone laying ceremony of 12-million-MT mineral processing plant in Tonkolili District. The Speaker of the Parliament of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the President of Leone Rock Metal Group and other distinguished Guests attended this ceremony.

Ambassador Wang Qing said over the past decade, the iron ore projects invested by Leone Rock Metal Group in Sierra Leone have overcome various difficulties, adhered to mutual benefit, actively assumed social responsibility, and has set a vivid example of win-win cooperation between China and Sierra Leone, making important contributions to promoting the economic and social development of Sierra Leone. I believe that with the completion of the 12-million-MT mineral processing plant, the new Tonkolili iron ore project will achieve better development. Sierra Leone is an important partner of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative. China is willing to synergize development strategies with Sierra Leone, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest in Sierra Leone, and promote the friendly cooperation between the two countries to a new level.

In his speech, President Julius Maada Bio spoke highly of the new Tonkolili iron ore project operated by Leone Rock Metal Group, saying that the project has brought significant positive impacts on the economic development of Sierra Leone, improved employment levels and the livelihood of community residents. The cornerstone laying of 12-million-MT mineral processing plant fully demonstrates the close solidarity, mutual trust and commitment to prosperity between Sierra Leone and China. Sierra Leone sincerely thanks the Chinese government and people for their valuable support for the development of Sierra Leone, and highly appreciates a series of important concepts and initiatives put forward by China to achieve common development.

Ambassador Wang Qing, President Bio and other guests jointly laid the cornerstone of 12-million-MT mineral processing plant of new Tonkolili. After this ceremony, President Bio also attended the CDA fund payment ceremony to communities, in which the Leone Rock Metal Group handed over Le 20.3 Billion.