Paramount Chief lauds London Mining
London Mining recently played host to the highly respected independent Civil Society Organization, the Coalition of Civil Society and Human Rights Activists Sierra Leone (CCSHRA) during a field visit at areas where the company operation. (Photo: Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II)
As part of public’s survey perception of London Mining, the CCSHRA team which comprised of the Chairman of Civil Society, Charles Mambu, the Director Juana Saawah and Phillip Lansana visited Marampa Village in the north of the country.
The civil society visitors met Paramount Chief Koblo Queen II, traveled through newly the constructed London Mining road that connects Lunsar and the ore exporting port at Thofayim.
They also visited villages where mining activities are conducted by London Mining, observed construction sites and joined company workers for lunch.
Mohammed Saticon Conteh who acts as London Mining’s Community Development Officer explained the company’s operations and contributions on issues of community development.
At Marampa Village, PC Koblo Queen confirmed how cordial the relationship between his subjects and London Mining Company is and said he at all time guarantees continuity.
He expressed the view that issues have to be looked into and where there is oddities ensure resolved are made.
Driving on the haul road to Thofayim, the groups were provided with information about the link between the mine site and the port.
They also visited a relocation site for affected community settlements. It was disclosed that up to 22 improved dwelling houses and a primary school will be built at the relocated site.
The affected people expressed thanks and appreciation to London Mining for providing them a more suitable way of life far better as of old.
CCSHRA noted that mining generates significant foreign exchange for Sierra Leone, as well as providing human resource development and support socio-economic and infrastructural development.
To ensure the maintenance of international standards and to reduce dissatisfaction within communities that are affected, CCSHRA looked at some of the compensation modalities put in place by London Mining and how the public perceived it.
It noted that despite the ongoing fulfillment of compensation, the planned relocation of affected towns and villages and provision of jobs, confrontation and misinformation are challenges that need urgent attention.
Commissioned by London Mining to gauge public perception of its activities in the Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms, the CCSHRA survey is an important part of the company’s continuing effort to sustain and improve good relations with communities in which it operates.
The exercise ended with both parties understanding the challenges and need for dialogue between community, company & stakeholders.
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