A government delegation led by the Minister of Mineral Resources and including the Ministers of Presidential Affairs, Health, the Resident Minister South, the Director of Mines, the Commissioner of Labour and Senior Inspector of Factories visited the site of incident involving Sierra Rutile’s capsized dredge yesterday, according to Sierra Leone’s Awareness Times, newspaper.
A joint press statement was issued by the Government of Sierra Leone, and Sierra Rutile Limited on the incident at the mine, which reads:
“The government of Sierra Leone and Sierra Rutile Company Limited wish to announce, with regret, the incident at Sierrra Rutile Limited, wherein their second Dredge, Solondo, capsized on Friday 25th July 2008.”
“50 employees including the deputy General Manager were on board at the time. 48 employees have been accounted for and the company is still searching for the remaining two missing personnel. All those rescued are doing fine.”
“A government delegation led by the Minister of Mineral Resources and including the Ministers of Presidential Affairs, Health, the Resident Minister South, the Director of Mines, the Commissioner of Labor and Senior Inspector of Factories visited the site of the incident for first hand assessment of the gravity of the accident.”
“The delegation also visited the Paramount Chief Madam, Hawa Kpanabom Sokan IV of Imperri Chiefdom, Bonthe District.”
“Responding to a statement of concern made by Alhaji Abu Bakarr Jalloh, Minister of Mineral Resources, the Chiefdom Speaker, M. Simeon Amara, expressed appreciation for the government’s swift action in sending such a high level delegation to the area.”
“President Koroma met with Ministers, senior officers from the Ministry of Mineral Resources and the Management of Sierra Rutile to emphasize his concern and government’s anxiety for the recovery of the missing persons and the continued maintenance of employment at its current levels. The Executive Director of Sierra Rutile Limited, Mr John Sisay, speaking on behalf of the company assured government that it will do all in its power to avoid any negative impact on its workforce, its usual support to the community and government revenue.”