Since the 1930s when mining started in Diang Chiefdom, Koinadugu district, no tangible impact is said to have been created on the community. However, residents now say that with the coming of Cheng Li Mining Company in two years, they have recorded massive developments.
The 660 million Leones paid as Surface Rent by Chengli Mining Company to Diang and Sambaya Chiefdoms is in line with the Mines and Minerals Act.
Handing over the cheques to the land owners, Mr. Fassally Tawarally, Country Director of Chengli Mining Company SL said his company will continue to adhere to the regulations of the mining sector, build the capacities of the communities and open opportunities for especially young people.
Cheng Li mines gold in Koinadugu district Northeast of Sierra Leone. As a large-scale mining license holder, they are required by law to put 0.01% of their proceeds into community development.
In addition to that obligation, the company has pledged to provide water facilities for the two Chiefdoms, and have started the construction of five hundred million Leones chiefdom court barray project and increase the number of scholarships as well as paying the salaries of teachers.
Paramount Chief, Sheku Magba 111 of Diang Chiefdom said Cheng Li Mining Company has paved their road network, given academic scholarship to over one hundred indigenous children, provided teaching and school learning materials for five hundred children as well as paying the salaries of teachers, facilitated the installation of telecommunications network coverage, provided employment to hundreds of locals within the chiefdom and donated football gears to the chiefdom people.
The people of Diang and Sambaya Chiefdoms were happy for such an investment and a source of livelihood for their communities saying that it is a watershed moment for Cheng Li Mining Company.
They testified that even before the commencement of operations by Chengli Mining Company, they had already started benefiting from numerous developmental projects.
National Minerals Agency Community Liaison Office Manager, Henry Kamara reaffirmed governmentโs commitment to creating the enabling environment for private sector investments to thrive.
He called on residents to work with the company for the benefit of both the district and the company.
