Sierra Leone's Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, recently met with Marampa Mines Limited management, union representatives, and workers to discuss the company's ongoing restructuring and its implications for employees. The meeting, held at the company's premises, aimed to address concerns and ensure that the rights and interests of affected workers are protected in accordance with the Employment Act, 2023. This engagement highlights the government's commitment to supporting workers during challenging times.
Marampa Mines Holding Chief Executive Officer, Paul Lombard, welcomed the Minister and his delegation, expressing gratitude for their visit during a difficult period for the company's management and workforce. Lombard explained that the company is undergoing restructuring due to rising international freight rates, higher fuel costs, and challenging conditions in the global iron ore market. These factors have placed significant pressure on the business, necessitating measures to reduce operating costs and improve competitiveness. The restructuring has begun with expatriate positions, with a focus on establishing a better balance between expatriate and national employees.
According to Lombard, the company's Marampa Reset Programme has led to improvements in production performance, plant recovery, and operational discipline. He commended workers for remaining calm and constructive throughout the period, reaffirming the company's commitment to fairness, transparency, and engagement. The company's future operations will prioritize career progression, skills transfer, and leadership development for Sierra Leoneans. This approach aims to create a more sustainable and stronger business.
Speaking on behalf of the workers' union, Mohamed Kabia thanked the Minister and his delegation for engaging employees during this difficult period. Ibrahim Sattie Kamara, representing the National Minerals Agency (NMA), apologized for the absence of the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, noting that the Minister supported the engagement. Kamara emphasized that the situation is a concern for all stakeholders, particularly the government, given the mining sector's importance to the national economy.
Minister Koroma described the visit as his first outside Freetown concerning workers' issues since assuming office. He acknowledged the challenges facing employees and noted that developments in the global economy have placed additional pressure on businesses. Koroma emphasized that the Employment Act, 2023, contains provisions governing redundancy and that the Ministry is responsible for ensuring employer-employee relations are managed in accordance with the law.
Koroma directed Ministry officials to safeguard the rights and interests of affected workers throughout the process. He disclosed that Marampa Mines has assured him that outstanding matters relating to the restructuring will be addressed by the end of November, in accordance with the law, and that affected employees will receive their entitlements. The Ministry will monitor the process to ensure the company fulfills its commitments.
During the engagement, workers appealed to management to ensure fair treatment and provide meaningful employment opportunities for employees in future operations. The Ministry, NMA, and company management reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and ensuring that the restructuring is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the law, with the welfare of affected workers remaining a priority. Marampa Mines is considered an important national asset, and workers are encouraged to remain hopeful and patient.
Key points
- The Sierra Leonean government is working to protect the rights and interests of workers affected by Marampa Mines' restructuring.
- Marampa Mines is undergoing restructuring due to global economic challenges, including rising freight rates and fuel costs.
- The company's future operations will prioritize career progression, skills transfer, and leadership development for Sierra Leoneans.
