By PRO MWPA
The Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofanah and team on Thursday May 29th 2025 paid a visit at Zhongjing stone dimension sites in the Marampa Chiefdom to verify the acquisition of land by the company from the Paramount Chief, stakeholders and landowners.
In a landmark development for the people of Marampa Chiefdom, the Paramount Chief Koblo Queen formally welcomed the Deputy Minister and team from the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, dignitaries, and representatives from Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd to the official acknowledgment of quarry operations set to begin in the region if they meet all the requirements.
Speaking at the event on behalf of his people, Paramount Chief Koblo Queen expressed gratitude on behalf of his people for the numerous benefits Marampa has received under the leadership of His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio — particularly in the area of mineral resource development.
He emphasized the importance of the new quarry initiative, stating that the operations by Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd will open more employment opportunities for the youth and boost economic activities and social impact in the region.
PC Koblo Queen noted that the visit of the Deputy Minister and team is a historic moment for Marampa, and that he and the landowners consented to the allocation of land to Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd for quarry operations.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, Mr. Paul Bockarie highlighted Sierra Leone’s rich natural resources including diamonds, bauxite, sand, timber, granite among others
He noted that quarry operations across the country are under the supervision of the Ministry of Works and Public Assets— a mandate first entrusted to them by the late President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
The Chief Director stated that Zhongjing Mining Company approached the Ministry in accordance with the law, and that they expressed interest in quarrying in Marampa Chiefdom and have completed the necessary community engagements, including securing consent from the Paramount Chief, landowners and elders of community.
He explained the regulatory procedures for quarry operations, which involve consultations with chiefs, community elders and landowners, environmental assessments by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and confirmation by the National Minerals Agency (NMA) to ensure there are no mineral deposits before licensing is approved.
Deputy Minister of Works and Public Assets, Mrs. Christiana Queen Fofanah thanked the Paramount Chief and people of Marampa for their warm reception.
She explained that her visit aimed to verify the legitimacy of the company’s documentation and ensure due process was followed.
She stated that she and her team are in the Chiefdom to confirm that no land was illegally acquired that the company complied with all procedures, and that no other operators exist on the identified sites.
The Deputy Minister went on to state that the operation of the quarry in that part of the country is in line with President Bio’s commitment to create 50,000 jobs for youth and that’s the reason the Ministers and Deputy Ministers are always reminding all investors including Zhongjing of their responsibility to establish factories and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She also emphasized the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), encouraging companies to support the communities in which they operate.
Representing the landowners, Mr. Moses Babah Kabia confirmed that the land acquisition was legal and that all agreements were signed with full consent.
Ms. Memunatu King Kanu reiterated that so far, no other quarry company has approached them.
Zhongjing’s Liaison Officer, Mr. Abdulai, assured residents that the company is committed to respecting local laws and abiding by the signed agreement.
Also speaking at the event, the Manager of Union Trust Bank, Cecil Pinkney- Thomas encouraged Zhongjing Mining Company Ltd to consider banking locally to further contribute to Sierra Leone’s economic growth.
The event concluded on a positive note, marking a new chapter in the economic advancement of Marampa Chiefdom and the strengthening of public-private partnerships in the region.
