By: Sulaiman Stom Koroma.
A cataclysmic situation has befallen in the town of Kumaror, located in Kono District, as reports confirm that at least 100 people have been trapped in a mining tunnel and feared dead. The incident occurred on the evening of October 19, 2025, after a group of individuals allegedly illegally entered a tunnel owned by the Lion Rock Mining Company, which has been linked to both Chinese investors and Sierra Leonean nationals. The company, which primarily focuses on gold mining, has yet to issue an official statement on the Incident.
Sources close to the scene revealed that among those trapped are relatives of several prominent individuals from the local community, including the son of a town’s chief, sons of an army officer, and other notable figures. The victims are believed to have entered the tunnel in search of gold in what is known as illegal artisanal mining, a practice that has been growing due to limited legal mining opportunities in the area.
Initial reports suggest that the tunnel collapsed after the group had entered, likely exacerbated by the unsafe, dangerous nature of the site. Efforts to rescue those trapped have been hindered by the fragile structure of the mine and the hazardous conditions in the area.
Hours after the incident was reported, a meeting was held between local stakeholders and representatives from the Lion Rock Mining Company to discuss possible rescue efforts. However, negotiations between the two parties were reportedly ended in frustration, with no agreement reached on how to proceed. Sources say the company denied having an exit from the tunnel, even with lots of speculations that the site had many exits, which is always the case with tunnel mining.
Local authorities are facing increasing pressure from the community to take urgent action and ensure the retrieval of their loved ones. A source told me this request seems impossible, as there is still no headway between the company and the community after their engagement.
Kono District, located in the eastern part of Sierra Leone, is historically known for its rich deposits of diamonds. The district was once a powerhouse of diamond trade, but during the country’s civil war, the district suffered severe devastation, with attacks on mining sites and the forced exploitation of its resources by rebel forces.
Today, Kono still holds a significant place in the country’s mining industry, but its wealth is no longer easily accessible. Many locals, who had once relied on diamond mining, now turn to artisanal gold mining as a means of survival.
With diminishing opportunities for legal mining, many have resorted to entering mining sites like the one owned by Lion Rock Mining Company, hoping to extract whatever resources they can find.
These illegal mining practices are often dangerous and unregulated, with little regard for safety standards. The collapse of the tunnel in Kumaror lay bare the riks these miners face daily in their quest to earn a living.
Many say the rise of artisanal mining in Kono District has been driven by the economic struggles. Most of the population in Kono depend on mining in some form, and with formal jobs scarce, illegal mining has become a last resort for many.
However, this practice often results in unsafe working conditions, leading to fatal accidents such as the one in Kumaror.
Locals have voiced concerns about the lack of government intervention in regulating the sector, and many are calling for stricter laws and enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
As hopes for a quick rescue diminish, the people of Kumaror are growing increasingly restless. Family members of the trapped victims and local community leaders are urging both the Lion Rock Minng Company and the government to do more.
With no resolution in sight, the people of Kumaror are left waiting in suspense.