Minenet Company (SL.) Limited has paid surface rent to landowners of Ribbi, Bumpeh and Kagboro Chiefdoms in Moyamba District, rent in the sum of One million, four hundred thousand New Leone (NLe 1,400,000) which is equivalent to One Billion, Four Hundred Million old Leones.
Payment was done in all the three chiefdoms on Friday and Saturday 10 -11 January 2025 respectively.
Minenet Company is a limited liability company incorporated and registered in Sierra Leone to undertake mining and export of zircon, rutile and associates, and related businesses- Atlantic Hotel.
In his welcome remarks, Paramount Chief Alfred Ndomawa Banya said they are happy to get Minenet in their midst, describing Minenet as good and honest people, that have done all what government told them to do before they start mining.
He expressed hope that when they do start mining, they would not change.
He also urged the National Minerals Agency (NMA) to redouble their effort in the chiefdom to ensure that the proper things are done for others.
Observing the payment of the Surface Rent, the NMA Community Liaison Officer, Charlie A.S. Harvey, confirmed the payment of the three chiefdoms and said it is part of the Minenet Company concessions.
He explained that according to the laws, 70 percent of the payment goes to the landowners, 10 perdent to the Paramount Chiefs, 10 percent to the District Council and 10 percent to Parliamentarians in those chiefdoms.
He assured that what they gave them was what they agreed on, whilst informing them about the control the Paramount Chiefs have over the trees in the land.
“Only when the company begins to mine before the community can receive the 1 percent for community development,” he said
The Minenet Company Manager, Jian Zhang, spoke about a win-win situation between her company and the community.
She promised to do what the laws of Sierra Leone states, and also called on the community to work in unity for their development.
Minenet’s Company Consultant, Salam Koroma, explained about the company, saying they are embarking on their first large-scale mining concession in Moyamba District.
He disclosed that the payments to landowners are done in square kilometres, not in acres, explaining that because the landowners don’t specifically know what their acreages are, they hired surveyors to survey their land in their presence and explained to them what each landowner is entitled to.
Currently, Minenet is working on the roads for easy access before they start full operation in April.
He also spoke about the assessment of farmers’ crops for which farmers would be compensated for after proper assessment.
“Employment is embedded in the act; and the 1 percent that goes to the community for development purposes. I want to assure the community people of jobs they are qualified for,” he concluded.
Hon. Alpha Ben Mansaray explained about the laws of mining to his audience.
He explained that Minenet made the 2024 payment when they have not even started ful- scale mining operation because the law asked them to do so, emphasizing that there is no law that talks about price for land, but the people can negotiate further.
The Chiefdom Speaker, Nathaniel G. Kangajee, chaired the payment ceremony and also made meaningful statements for both the community and the Company.
