06/05/2026
LRMG Pays $4.3 Million CDA to Tonkolili Communities, Commissions Phase II of 30 MTPA Processing Plant
The leading mining company in Sierra Leone, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG), on Wednesday, April 29, paid $4.3 million (equivalent to NLe99,045,404) as Community Development Agreement (CDA) funds to host communities in Tonkolili District. The company also commissioned Phase II of its 30 Million Ton Per Annum (MTPA) magnetite processing plant, a significant milestone aimed at enhancing production capacity and promoting value addition.
The CDA payment is in line with the Mines and Minerals Act, which mandates mining companies to allocate 1% of their annual revenue to host communities. LRMG continues to demonstrate leadership in compliance with this provision, steadily increasing its contributions over the years from Le5.3 billion in 2022, to Le20 billion in 2023, over Le53 billion in 2024, NLe62 million in 2025, and now NLe99,045,404 in 2026.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Julius Maada Bio described the occasion as a significant moment for the people of the mining communities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring that natural resources directly benefit citizens. He commended LRMG for fulfilling its promises and contributing meaningfully to community development.
“Our people must benefit from their mineral resources. Development must be seen and felt in mining communities. We have suffered for far too long, and now is the time to benefit from our minerals. I commend LRMG for its commitment to community development,” the President stated.
He further noted that the commissioning of the processing plant marks a critical step in Sierra Leone’s economic transformation, highlighting a shift from exporting raw minerals to processing and adding value locally, thereby improving the country’s global competitiveness.
Paramount Chief of Dansogoia Chiefdom, PC Bockarie Yelen Koroma II, expressed gratitude for the tangible developments brought about through mining proceeds. He assured continued support from the communities to foster a conducive environment for the company’s operations and growth.
Chief Technical Officer of LRMG, Salim Sillah, emphasized that the event was not only about fulfilling obligations but also demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustainable community development. He highlighted key achievements under the CDA, including scholarships awarded to over 700 university students, skills training initiatives for youth, and stipends provided to 260 volunteer teachers.
He also underscored LRMG’s commitment to women’s empowerment, noting that 662 women have been supported in agricultural initiatives. In addition, the company has constructed and equipped a fully funded health centre and refurbished several others to improve healthcare delivery in the communities.
Hon. Foyoh Thorley, Member of Parliament representing the host communities, described the occasion as historic, noting the visible impact of mining proceeds on local development. He reiterated that CDA is a statutory obligation, not a gesture of goodwill, and commended LRMG for its consistent compliance.
Managing Director of LRMG, Zhang Yongping, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continued investment and national development. He called for sustained collaboration between government and communities to create an enabling environment for the company’s operations, emphasizing that the project belongs to the people.
Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E Zhao Yong, also expressed appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone for fostering a favorable investment climate. He noted that the CDA payment reflects the commitment of Chinese companies to comply with local laws and contribute to national development.
The dual milestone of CDA disbursement and the commissioning of the Phase II processing plant reinforces LRMG’s role as a key driver of economic growth, industrial advancement, and sustainable community development in Sierra Leone.
