By: Bai Sesay
In a press briefing on Friday, November 15, 2024, Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, Chairperson of the Mining and Mineral Resources Committee in the Sierra Leone Parliament, praised FG Gold Mining Company for its exemplary practices, urging the industry to emulate its approach to mining.
Speaking from Parliament, Hon. Lamina highlighted the company’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), despite not yet commencing large-scale gold production. “Chief Oliver Tunde Andrews, Executive Chairman of FG Gold Mining Company, sets a pattern of mining that should be a model for modern-day miners,” Hon. Lamina stated, referencing the company’s proactive community investments.
The Chairperson revealed that FG Gold has adhered to Sections 143 and 144 of Sierra Leone’s mining regulations, which mandate that companies allocate at least 1% of their revenue to local community development. Though yet to extract gold on a commercial scale, the company has already built a school in Baoma Chiefdom, Bo District, installed solar power in key areas, and employed 70% of its workforce from local communities.
“These are achievements worth admiration,” Hon. Lamina noted. “FG Gold’s efforts demonstrate that mining companies can prioritize local development even before reaching profitability.”
Hon. Lamina also underscored the historical significance of FG Gold Mining Company as the first licensed large-scale gold mining operation in Sierra Leone. Since gold mining began in 1930, the industry was dominated by small-scale artisanal activities. FG Gold’s operations mark a shift toward industrialized mining in the country.
“This sets a precedent for the government’s engagement with future investors, both local and international,” the Chairperson added, emphasizing the need for others to adopt similar CSR practices.
Acknowledging ongoing concerns and conflicting reports about FG Gold, Hon. Lamina stressed the importance of transparency and accountability. He confirmed that the Mining and Mineral Resources Committee will conduct a comprehensive review of the company’s operations during an upcoming session.
“This brief interaction is only the beginning,” he said. “The committee will facilitate a deeper and sincere dialogue involving all stakeholders, ensuring that accurate information is provided and public confidence is upheld.”
The anticipated parliamentary review is expected to address lingering questions while reinforcing the importance of sustainable and community-oriented mining practices.
This statement comes as Sierra Leone continues to attract significant international investment in its mining sector, with FG Gold Mining Company positioned as a standard-bearer for responsible industry conduct.
