Banana Island Seaport Project earmarked best option to Transport Iron Ore from Kasafoni Land

The Gento Group of Companies has requested government backing to connect the Banana Island Transshipment Port with the Kasafoni Iron Ore deposit, which is a bold move aimed at bolstering Sierra Leone’s economic prospects. The proposal, which comes amidst ongoing discussions about infrastructure development in the mining sector, presents a transformative vision that could significantly boost the country’s developmental trajectory.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Finance Minister, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura, outlined the pressing need for transformative infrastructure to support the proposed mining project at Kasafoni. He noted that five critical infrastructure projects have been identified as essential for the successful opening and operation of the mine, including high-standard rail links and port facilities, for which Gento Kamara emphasized that the Gento Group is poised to provide these developments if given the opportunity by the government.

At the heart of this collaboration is Mohamed Gento Kamara, CEO of Gento Group, who articulated a resolute commitment to enhancing Sierra Leone’s economic landscape. “I stand here not just as a businessman, but as someone who wishes to add value to our nation,” he explained, passionately advocating for alignment between his company’s goals and those of the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDMC). He urged government officials to recognize that the Gento Group’s plans do not obstruct state ambitions, but rather complement them by fostering sustainable growth.

Kamara further revealed that the Gento Group has negotiated significant terms to utilize existing infrastructure, such as the Peppel Port and the Banana Island port. With governmental ownership of 20% of Peppel Port’s traffic, this arrangement could facilitate the export of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO), the initial surface layer of iron ore mining. Kamara argued that utilizing established ports eliminates the need for additional costly constructions, enabling a more streamlined ‘pit-to-port’ process that promises to reduce expenses and enhance operational efficiency.

“This isn’t just about financial gain; it’s about the holistic development of our nation,” he asserted. By implementing infrastructure strategies that prioritize effective transportation, Kamara believes Sierra Leone’s mining sector can transition from its current limitations—a mere capacity to export about 20 million tons of minerals—to a robust framework that could scale exports dramatically, potentially reaching 200 million tons.

Minister Bangura echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential economic upliftment across districts and regions endowed with critical mineral resources. He expressed optimism about how infrastructure development could transform local economies, bringing tangible changes to communities historically reliant on subsistence agriculture or underemployment.

Ready to tackle the issue of rising costs associated with traditional transportation methods, such as truck and rail systems that currently inhibit the mining industry, Kamara has articulated a distinct vision. He advocates for focusing efforts on optimizing existing capabilities rather than incurring large debts to develop new deep-sea ports that may not serve immediate needs effectively.

“Changing the GDP is crucial to economic expansion, and the more we are able to export minerals at scale, the faster we will achieve that goal,” Bangura noted during his address. The interplay between mining exports and GDP growth has become a focal point in the government’s strategy for economic revitalization post-conflict.

Despite the optimistic proposals presented, skepticism lingers among stakeholders regarding the government’s commitment to equitable engagement with local communities. Past occurrences of neglecting local voices in resource management have fostered distrust, particularly among residents who feel they have been sidelined in discussions affecting their land and resources.

Local leaders, including chiefs and community representatives from the Koinadugu district, have previously raised concerns about mining operations that fail to consider their rights and interests. They argue that any infrastructure initiative must prioritize community welfare and ensure that local populations benefit directly from mining revenues.

Gento Kamara appears cognizant of this dynamic, declaring, “We must build cohesion, peace, and stability starting from where the resources come from. This can only be achieved through collaborative engagement with the communities that host these resources.” His rhetoric signals a shift towards greater responsiveness to community perspectives, positioning Gento Group as a potential ally rather than an adversary in local development.

As discussions continue between the Gento Group and government officials, the fate of the Kasafoni development project and its associated infrastructure initiatives hangs in the balance. The proposed integration of the Banana Island Port with mining activities promises not only to enhance operational efficiencies, but also to redefine the socio-economic landscape within Sierra Leone.

The proactive approach advocated by the Gento Group and endorsed by the Ministry of Finance presents a unique opportunity for Sierra Leone to leverage its rich mineral resources for comprehensive national development.