The Gento Group of Companies has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent public notice from the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDC), which claimed that the Tonkolili North Iron Ore deposit in Kasafoni falls solely under the control of the SLMMDC and that Gento had no rights to engage in mining activities there.
In a two-page press release dated 5th June 2025, Gento Group categorically rejected the SLMMDC’s assertions, describing the notice as defamatory, scandalous, and misleading. The company accused SLMMDC of undermining its legitimate business interests and damaging its reputation in the eyes of the public, government stakeholders, and investors.
Gento stressed that it has a lawful lease agreement with the relevant tribal authorities over the Tonkolili North Iron Ore site, a process recognized under the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act as a preliminary legal step toward securing a large-scale mining license. According to Gento, this agreement grants them a legal basis for involvement in the Kasafoni deposit.
“The SLMMDC public notice is conflicting, contradicting, and inconsistent with the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Development Act 2022, especially section 33 sub section (3)(a),” the release noted, adding that SLMMDC never consulted or engaged with the company before making the announcement.
The company further argued that the notice violates the rights of landowners in the Kasafoni area by attempting to negate their authority to lease the land under customary law.
Gento clarified several points, including:
1. It has not claimed ownership of a large-scale license or bypassed legal protocols.
2. It has only secured a lease from tribal authorities, not the license itself.
3. SLMMDC failed to engage in any consultation or dispute resolution prior to issuing the public statement.
The company warned that if SLMMDC does not retract its statement, it would consider legal avenues to protect its name and business interests. It also reaffirmed its commitment to ethical and lawful investment in Sierra Leone’s extractive sector.
“We remain confident in the rule of law and the continued support of stakeholders who are committed to genuine development, integrity, and private sector-led growth in Sierra Leone,” the statement concluded.
The press release was signed by Alex Botton, Public Relations Officer of the Gento Group of Companies.
By Rose Turay
