By Kadiatu Sankoh
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Mines and Minerals Resources conducted a visit to the Boamahun Gold Mining Project on June 21 and 22, 2024, to gather firsthand information on the company’s operation.
Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Bintu Fatmata Bockarie, expressed gratitude to the participating Members of Parliament and the Paramount Chief. She emphasized that the visit was part of the MPs’ constitutional mandate to oversee the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Resources. She highlighted that mineral resources are crucial for the country’s development, and noted that under President Maada Bio’s leadership, transformative practices have been implemented through the new Mining and Minerals Development Act of 2022, benefiting both the country and its investors.
Hon. Bockarie stated that the visit’s purpose was to obtain factual information about the mining operations and their impact on local communities, as well as to identify challenges for potential recommendations. She assured the management of FG Gold that the oversight role of Parliament is intended to help streamline strategic objectives within the mining sector, ensuring that operations align with the expectations of Sierra Leoneans.
Rian Van Der Walt, Operating Readiness Director of FG Gold, welcomed the Committee’s engagement at the Boamahun Mining site. He expressed appreciation to the MPs, Paramount Chiefs and other attendees. Van Der Walt provided an overview of the project, noting that the company is transitioning from exploration to early works construction, with plans to move to full construction by September. He projected that operations and commercial production would begin by September 2026. FG Gold, which was awarded a large-scale mining license in 2021 covering 125 square kilometers, currently employs 320 staff members.
Van Der Walt outlined the company’s commitment to improving local infrastructure, including roads and bridges. He stated that FG Gold is in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act and has obtained an Environmental Impact License from the National Minerals Agency. The company has undertaken various environmental studies and, in observance of World Environment Day, planted 1,700 trees to promote greenery to address climate change issues.
Additionally, Van Der Walt presented evidence of the community initiatives undertaken by FG Gold, including building schools, providing university scholarships, constructing Community Centers, developing community skills programs, and enhancing road infrastructure.
The visit by the Parliamentary Oversight Committee marks a significant step in ensuring that mining operations in Sierra Leone are conducted responsibly and in alignment with national interests and environmental standards.