The Government of Sierra Leone has issued a firm public statement discrediting claims by the Gento Group that it has secured land rights to begin mining operations at the Tonkolili North – Kasafoni Iron Ore Deposit.
In a direct rebuttal, the Government clarified that the Kasafoni deposit is exclusively owned and controlled by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC), a state-owned entity established to manage national mineral assets on behalf of all Sierra Leoneans.
“The law is clear,” the statement said. “This deposit has been officially allocated to the Corporation by Cabinet and Parliament. No private company, individual, or traditional leader can lease, sell, or assign any rights over it.”
The Government’s position follows public claims made by the Gento Group and media reports suggesting the company had secured local agreements to mine in Kasafoni, located at Sula Mountain in Tonkolili District.
But authorities say such claims are “without legal effect and completely null and void.” According to the law, only the Corporation has the power to manage or authorise mining activities in Kasafoni or anywhere else officially assigned to it.
Officials warned that any unauthorised attempt to claim, lease, or operate in the area may result in legal action.
“This asset belongs to the Republic of Sierra Leone and is protected by law. The public is advised not to enter into any private agreements over it,” the statement added.
The Government urged all investors, traditional authorities, and local communities to engage directly with the SLMMDMC and refrain from illegal or misleading arrangements that could jeopardise national resources.
