A prominent member of Sierra Leone's main opposition All People's Congress (APC), Tunde Scott, has strongly criticized the administration of President Julius Maada Bio and the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) over job losses and developments in the country's mining sector. Scott made the criticism while responding to comments from some SLPP supporters who argued that a major number of mining workers also lost their jobs during the APC administration.
According to Scott, more workers in the mining sector have lost their jobs under the Bio administration than during the APC era. He cited a Reuters report which indicated that about 1,000 workers lost their jobs after Koidu Holdings was forced to halt operations in 2025. Scott also claimed that the Bio administration had cancelled or terminated more mining licences than any previous government in Sierra Leone.
Scott stated that 43 mining licences were cancelled or terminated less than a year after the SLPP came to power. He identified Marampa Iron Ore, Shandong and SL Mining among the major companies affected. Scott said SL Mining subsequently took the Sierra Leone Government to court and was later settled with public funds. He also mentioned companies including Kingho and Remco, which he said had employed hundreds of Sierra Leoneans in the mining sector.
Scott contrasted the approach of the Bio administration with that of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who came to power in 2007. According to Scott, the Koroma administration negotiated with mining companies rather than terminating their contracts. Scott said responsible administrations like the Koroma administration negotiated with the mining companies and did not terminate contracts.
Scott also challenged claims by the Bio administration regarding job creation in the mining sector. He pointed to Leone Rock, which operates in the area where Shandong previously operated in Tonkolili, arguing that the company employs almost the same number of workers. Scott said they did not create any new job in the mining sector.
The APC member further accused the government of favouritism in the appointment of managerial staff within the mining sector. He alleged that some positions were being given to individuals considered loyal to the SLPP rather than being filled strictly on merit. Scott said this is even the same thing they did to the civil service, sacking and filling the spaces with their loyalists.
Scott concluded by maintaining that the Bio administration had caused more damage to Sierra Leone's mining sector than any previous government. Sierra Leone's mining sector remains an important part of the country's economy, providing employment and contributing to government revenue and exports.
Key points
- Tunde Scott criticizes President Bio's administration for worsening job losses in the mining sector.
- Scott claims 43 mining licences were cancelled or terminated under the Bio administration.
- Scott contrasts the Bio administration's approach with that of former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
