Sierra Mineral Holdings I Limited (SMHL) was honored to welcome the Minister of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, Mr. Mohamed Rahman Swarray, and his delegation during a courtesy visit following the successful restart of normal operations in January 2025. The visit aimed to familiarize the Ministry with SMHL’s operations and extend support to the company during this pivotal phase of its restart process.

During the visit, SMHL’s General Manager, Mr. Alex Ivanov, briefed the Minister and his team on the company’s recent challenges. He highlighted that SMHL had been under care and maintenance for over six months, marking one of the most challenging periods in its history. Mr. Ivanov expressed gratitude to the company’s employees, who remained committed during this period, and to the Government of Sierra Leone for their unwavering support.

Mr. Ivanov also shared promising updates, announcing that SMHL has secured an offtake agreement for the production and supply of bauxite. Looking ahead, he revealed that the company is actively engaging with potential investors to construct a new plant in Mokanji, with plans to begin in April 2025. This facility is expected to produce 4 million tonnes of bauxite annually, creating significant job opportunities and generating substantial revenue for both the company and the government.

In his address, Minister Swarray expressed enthusiasm for the company’s positive trajectory and emphasized the Government’s commitment to supporting investments that create jobs for Sierra Leoneans. He thanked SMHL for keeping the Ministry informed about developments and pledged his support to ensure the company’s success.

The Minister urged both the management and the employees to work collaboratively to maintain a harmonious work environment during this crucial restart phase. He also encouraged employees to focus on supporting the company’s recovery while advising management to prioritize their workforce when financial stability is achieved.

During his visit, Minister Swarray met with a cross-section of SMHL employees, who expressed their appreciation for his engagement and commitment. They noted that this was the first time a sitting Minister of Labour had visited their workplace and listened to their concerns. The employees conveyed optimism about SMHL’s future prospects and pledged their best efforts to contribute to the company’s success.

SMHL remains committed to its mission of contributing to Sierra Leone’s economic growth and fostering a supportive environment for its workforce.