Sierra Rutile, Labour Ministry Discuss Employment and Workers’ Rights
The management of Sierra Rutile has held discussions with the Minister of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Umaru Napoleon Koroma, on employment-related challenges affecting the company’s operations, with a focus on strengthening cooperation between the mining company and the government.
The meeting took place in Freetown on 1 November 2026 during a courtesy visit by a Sierra Rutile delegation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Lima Sufian-Kargbo. The visit was also intended to congratulate Minister Koroma on his appointment and discuss key labour issues concerning the company’s workforce.
During the engagement, Sufian-Kargbo reaffirmed Sierra Rutile’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry, particularly in areas relating to local content compliance, redundancy procedures and end-of-service benefits.
He highlighted the challenges associated with managing employment across the company’s Area One and Area Five operations, stressing the need to balance workforce requirements with employment opportunities for residents in both communities.
The Chief Executive Officer also raised concerns surrounding a redundancy exercise conducted in May, which affected 14 managers through voluntary and compulsory redundancy. The discussions provided an opportunity to address the employment implications of the exercise, particularly issues relating to the benefits owed to the affected workers.
Responding to the concerns, Minister Koroma emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced relationship between employers and employees, noting that both parties have important roles to play in creating a sustainable labour environment.
On the issue of end-of-service benefits for the affected managers, the Minister disclosed that the matter was currently before the court. He further explained that the Ministry had sought legal guidance from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the interpretation of the relevant legal provisions.
Minister Koroma also revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Employers’ Federation and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress on the implementation of Section 25 of the Employment Act. He said both institutions had been tasked with developing a practical approach to ensure effective compliance with the provision.
The Minister assured the Sierra Rutile delegation of the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining dialogue and collaboration with employers while ensuring the effective enforcement of labour laws to protect workers’ rights, support businesses and promote job creation.
The engagement underscores the importance of continued cooperation between government and the private sector in addressing workplace challenges, strengthening labour relations and promoting a fair and sustainable employment environment in Sierra Leone.
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