Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 August 2019:
The government of president Julius Maada Bio is warning mining companies not to expect business as usual, where due diligence, accountability and fiduciary responsibility are sacrificed by those in power for contract kickbacks.
This stern warning comes, as the government continues to review all mining contracts in the country to ensure they are fit for purpose and yield the highest returns and benefit for the people of Sierra Leone, the majority of whom are struggling to earn just less than Two Dollars a day.
But the mining contracts review has lead to a war of words between the ministry of mines and the Marampa iron ore mining company – SL Mining Ltd., following what the government refers to as the refusal of the company to answer questions about the value of its iron ore production and non-payment of royalties and taxes.
According to the ministry of mines, the government is losing hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties and taxes, through evasion by several mining companies, which is causing immense poverty for millions of Sierra Leoneans.
But critics say that whilst it is legitimate for the government to carry out a review of mining contracts, the ministry of mines cannot unilaterally suspend or terminate any mining contract without due process of law and the approval of the country’s parliament which in the first place had sanctioned those contracts.
The government is equally unequivocal and resolute in its response. It says that for far too long, successive governments have allowed mining companies to take advantage of the country’s weak institutions and poor governance, robbing the people of Sierra Leone of hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and royalties every year. This has to stop, the government says.
This is a letter written to the directors of SL Mining by mines minister Foday Rado Yokie:
Replying yesterday, 14 August 2019, to this letter written to SL Mining Ltd by the minister of mines – Foday Rado Yokie, the directors of SL Mining Ltd, it seems are ready for a legal fight with the government.
This is what the directors said in reply:
We refer to your letter to us dated 13 August 2019 titled “Terms and Conditions for SL Mining to Commence Shipment of Marampa Blue” which details certain conditions, which if satisfied you state you “could” lift the restriction on shipment which has been unlawfully placed on SL Mining Limited (“SL Mining” / “we”) (the “Letter”).
2. Firstly and as stated above and in prior correspondence, including from our international lawyers representing us, the suspension on shipping is unlawful and there are no grounds for such under SL Mining’s large scale licence agreement ratified by the Parliament of the Republic of Sierra Leone (the “MLA”) or pursuant to any other laws in Sierra Leone, including the Mines and Minerals Act, 2009 (the “Act”). Furthermore, under the MLA, SL Mining has an enshrined right to export iron ore from its Marampa project.
3. With respect to the conditions set out in the Letter. There are no grounds for seeking such and they are at odds with the MLA and the Act and we address each of the points in your letter below.
Point 1
4. The bond referred to is not relevant nor required. The fact simply is that the Marampa mine was categorically re-opened and is in production. In addition, and as proof of such, we have made three shipments of Marampa iron ore, before being prevented from further export under the illegal export ban. Even if a bond was put in place it could never be called on as SL Mining did make substantial progress towards the re- opening of the Marampa Mine within a period of 12 months from the date of ratification of the MLA.
As you all know, by December 2018 we were finalising the rehabilitation of the plant, preparing the plant for hot commissioning. It should also be again noted, that the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone’s (“GoSL”) own action by way of Executive Order No. 1, directly and significantly delayed the development of the Marampa mine due to the suspension of the MLA’s fiscal provisions for seven months.
5. As we have discussed this point with you several times, this attempt at re-writing history is a blatant disregard for the facts and totally unacceptable.
6. The request for a bond while SL Mining is not allowed to ship unless it agrees to a list of made up demands not based in law or logic is clearly an attempt to extort US$ 1 million. The Letter clearly states that the fact that SL Mining has reopened the mine in a timely manner and successfully shipped three cargoes is considered a failure and therefore the bond would be cashed. This approach shows a total disregard of what we have achieved within the required timeframe and as previously agreed with the NMA during 2018 (and despite the illegal imposition of Executive Order No. 1 in the meantime). We firmly disagree with any outrageous and illegal tactics.
7. We clearly explained all the facts to you once again in our letter dated 19 July 2019.
Point 2
8. An advance pricing agreement is not relevant nor required under the MLA and therefore imposing a shipping ban is a form of extortion as we are not able to earn revenues while the Ministry and the NMA make demands that are against the law and our MLA. The initial three sales of the Marampa Blue were ultimately to third party buyers and not being sold ultimately to any affiliated company of SL Mining. Having said that, as we have said before, we are amenable to have one in place for affiliated sales, and the principles have been provided to the NMA for consideration without response, and therefore we have provided an electronic copy.
9. To be abundantly clear, in our MLA under section 5.2(c), and we quote “Prior to the disposal of any minerals to affiliated parties, SL MINING and GOSL shall enter into an Advance Pricing Agreement establishing guidelines for determining the deemed Arm’s length sale value…”.
10. We have quoted the above, as the DG of the NMA has misinterpreted the law and did not understand that SL Mining has the right to export and ship to any third party it so chooses without prior notification, consent, or approval of the NMA. In other words, an advanced pricing agreement is not required UNLESS, and only unless SL Mining sells ultimately to an affiliated party.
11. In section 4.6 of the MLA, we have the enshrined right to export. We quote “SL MINING shall have the right to export all iron ore and associated minerals or mineral concentrates raised or obtained in the course of mining operations to any country other than countries to which the laws of The Republic of Sierra Leone prohibit such exports”.
12. The only circumstances in which the law allows the Minister to prevent the disposal of any minerals (export ban in SL Mining’s case) is when the mineral right holder fails to pay its royalties by the due date. In the case of SL Mining, the suspension and export ban were made 42 days before any royalty payment was due.
13. As already noted, SL Mining will and has always had the intent to pay its royalties by the due date and remain in full compliance with its obligations.
Point 3
14. SL Mining continues to be in full compliance of the MLA. The payment of the three royalty amounts (able to be paid only due to the shipments made before SL Mining was illegally prevented from further shipping activity) will only be made pursuant to the timing requirements of the MLA, and with proof of such payments being supplied. June shipments are been paid by mid-August 2019 while July 2019 shipment by mid- September 2019, as stablished in the MLA. SL Mining takes its royalty payment obligations (and all payment obligations) under the MLA very seriously so to ensure that Sierra Leone benefits from the Marampa project.
15. To be abundantly clear, in our MLA under section 5.2(e), royalty payments are to be paid, and we quote, “Within a maximum period of 45 (forty five) days after the end of each month’s shipment…”.
16. The NMA has the obligation to follow the laws, including the MLA, protect the GoSL interest while protecting, or at least not abusing, investors, but all the actions that have taken place, from and including the initial suspension letter dated 3 July 2019, until today, has proven to be aimed to obtain again from SL Mining while placing SL Mining under duress.
Point 4
17. The MLA governs the royalty terms and payment aspects regarding such. There are no lawful grounds by which you can ask for advance payment of the royalty for shipments, let alone advance payment to the sum of five shipments.
Point 5
18. Our requirements with respect to furnishing financial reports have been complied with. The financial statements have been provided for 2017 and those for 2018 have not been completed yet as we are waiting for the sign off of SL Mining’s auditors.
Point 6
19. There are no lawful grounds for a phased payment plan for the use of the Marampa mine assets. And this is not required, nor necessary, and does not follow Section 54 of the Act or any other enacted law. The DG of the NMA does not understand how the Act actually works and, in total disregard for its provisions, the DG wants you to believe that once the GoSL cancels a mining license the assets in the relevant concession area somehow are nationalised and become GoSL property. This misinterpretation by the DG have been widely said in meetings, in the media and so on, which stems from a fundamental lack of understanding how the Act works.
20. Section 54 of the Act does not allow the GoSL to nationalise assets for the GoSL to rent or sell them further to anyone. What Section 54 of the Act provides is that the assets have been transferred to SL Mining (and the ruling from the High Court of Sierra Leone on this very point establishes such categorically as a matter of Sierra Leonean law). The only obligation on SL Mining is to reimburse the amount of reasonable compensation actually paid by GoSL to the prior licence holder. At present, no compensation amount has been paid by GoSL and thus, SL Mining does not need to pay GoSL in a phased plan or otherwise.
21. As the Ministry and the NMA are fully aware, as explained several times in writing and in meetings, certain of the assets in use by SLM were financed and secured by the previous lenders. When the GoSL invoked Section 54 of the Act, those assets were removed (automatically and by operation of Sierra Leonean law) from the previous licence holder, and were transferred to SL Mining as noted above.
The former lenders disputed the amount of reasonable compensation and therefore SL Mining agreed with the former lenders a royalty arrangement for such reasonable compensation. The only element missing from the agreement between the former lenders and SL Mining is for the GoSL to become a party to such agreement. This has been requested by the former lenders.
22. Therefore, there are no grounds for the Minister’s request, following the ill advice of the DG of the NMA, to be paid a fee for the use of assets that do not belong to the GoSL. The GoSL position that the ban on shipping and earning revenues will remain place unless SL Mining meet its demands, is again an attempted shakedown of SL Mining as there are no grounds, legal or other, to make such requests. Furthermore, this appears to be part of a concerted tactic by the GoSL to either obtain financial benefit, free-carry shares or renegotiate the terms of the MLA.
Point 7
23. On the export ban being satisfactorily and irrevocably lifted, we would be willing to discuss with GoSL aspects of the ratified MLA and its enshrined terms, but it is untenable to contemplate doing so now while under duress.
24. What has been requested in the Letter has no legal base and is against the provisions of the MLA. As already mentioned, making demands that are clearly outside the MLA while maintaining an illegal shipping ban appears to us to be an attempt at extortion.
25. We would once again ask that the unlawful suspension be lifted immediately so to avoid the Marampa project now having to suspend or put in place reductions in production (in accordance with Sierra Leonean law) which will be a direct result of the unlawful preclusion on SL Mining’s lawful right to export. It is untenable situation to suspend operations, then put an indefinite ban on shipping, while the DG of the NMA makes ludicrous demands that are not in compliance with the laws of Sierra Leone.
26. We again stress that the shipping ban and any limitation to our operation must be immediately lifted, or the following actions must be taken by SL Mining, as you continue to misapply the law and attempt to coerce SL Mining: (a) The mine will need to be put on care and maintenance (in accordance with Sierra Leonean law) until adequate resolution is achieved; (b) SL Mining has already served notices of disputes in respect of its rights to bring matters to international arbitration and other relief as endowed under clause 6.9(c) the MLA and or other agreements. We will be seeking material damages and immediate lifting of the export ban.
27. SL Mining continues to comply with all requests from the GoSL and remains in full compliance with all of its obligations and responsibilities pursuant to the MLA or otherwise. SL Mining will continue to work with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources and the NMA to provide and facilitate access to whatever materials are required to dispel the apparent belief (which is respectfully incorrect) that SL Mining is in any way non-compliant with its obligations and responsibilities.
28. All rights and remedies (howsoever arising) are strictly reserved. (END)
Speaking at a press conference held in Freetown last Thursday, 8th August 2019, the Director of the country’s National Minerals Agency – Mr Julius Mattai, gave a revealing and chilling account of how mining companies have exploited and taken advantage of the people of Sierra Leone.
This is what Mr Mattai said:
I support the government because the whiteboy is not our friend never was and never will be. They still continue with their onslaught in the form of foreign aid and investment.
The government has a legitimate right to review all mining contrcts which may lead to the people of Sierra Leone finally starting to benefit from their God-given natural riches.
For the government to ask for a review of all mining contracts is not synonymous with affected companies to pack their bags and leave, especially if they have nothing to hide regarding their operations as laid out in all provisions of the contract in question.
It is quite possible that the Ernest Koroma government rushed into signing contracts because of the under-the-table lucrative kick backs they were receiving, not caring whatsoever how their attitude would affect ordinary people or the nation as a whole. Their daring disposition is being laid bare by the Anti Corruption Commission [ACC] and Commissions of Inquiries[COI].
To my fellow Sierra Leoneans who are advocating for us to accept whatever we are being offered by the Mining companies because of the diabolical economic circumstances we face, I say, we must stay strong and focused even in our darkest economic hour to stop these foreign investors from brow beating and hood winking us, in the midst of believing that we lack any intelligence. Their unconscionable exploitation of us should and must be brought to an abrupt and rude end.
The current controversy, contrary to keeping investors away, as some of us are saying, will send the message that we offer monumental, lucrative investment opportunities in the mining sector, but they must be ready to deal with the government with no hidden agenda geared towards undermining signed contracts.
Economically President Bio is fighting a war with his back to a deep lake infested with man eating sharks. This should make him more tempestuous, ferocious, unyielding and with no desire to take prisoners. APC are ready at a split second notice to devour him alive. Once the mining companies start paying their proper dues a significant amount of foreign currency will become available for the defence of the Leone internationally, to increase its value and so reduce the price of imports, including fuel and other necessities.
Let us reorganise ourselves and fight with what we currently have, as weapons while looking for avenues to broaden our capacity. The world does not owe us a living.
How is it possible for $23 million worth of iron ore to leave our shores and get only $400,000 out of it according to the BBC’s Umaru Fofanah in Freetown? Come on fellow Sierra Leoneans let us not allow the severe illness of our mother to force us to lick the underfoot of a doctor.
A hard stance towards investors is only going to drive them away. The government of Sierra Leone as corrupt as it is already, should be happy to have a handful of investors taking chances and foolhardy risks engaging and doing business with us. Its a wild, wild, crazy world out here – Wolves in packs, hungrily eating each other.
Now I ask you, what safety nets have government put in place to ensure that investors who lose their hard-earned or crooked cash, will eventually be able to recuperate fully any losses they inadvertently or foolishly may incur? What credible provisions, economic policies, tax and loan incentives are presently being given to new investors to ensure that their new investments and businesses thrive, stay afloat and do not go under?
It seems to me, investors are on their own in the midst of raging economic and financial storms here in Sierra Leone, with no where to turn to for help. Many Investors are already wallowing in the muddy waters of debts and ceaselessly, ever-deepening, overwhelming losses, And here you come again in your incompetent ideological crutches, anxious to shackle them in iron economic chains?
Incentives, robust policies and laws that ensure financial transparency and guarantees by government, to protect credible investors if they remain law abiding, and continue doing the right things. This is one of the surest ways to boost investors’ confidence, revitalize their ambitions and aspirations in our beloved nation.
A hard stance, a military posture, and erratic command towards investors will only drive them away. After all, this is Africa, there are other better, more welcoming places to do business than Sierra Leone.
I personally believe that both parties have good points and I think this current Minister should have been chosen from day one to start the negotiation process because he seems to be on top of the game and a good negotiator. I hope both parties can meet in the middle (by giving and taking), so the investors and the people of Sierra Leone will all have smile on their faces.
It appears to me that a meeting should have been set up in which both parties should work collaboratively towards having a meeting of the minds in consonance with the original agreement. That meeting could then be followed with a letter itemizing all that was agreed on.
Much as you (the government) want to be transparent, applying the big stick without a carrot policy can be counter productive at a time when the government is caught with its pants down strapped for cash flow. Please understand that multi national companies are doing us a favor investing in our economy, not the other way around. They can pack up and go anytime. Others may be loathe to invest because of what was done to their counterparts. By the same token all parties, including the government, must adhere to the laws.
Whatever is done ought to be undertaken judiciously and forthrightly with some panache.
President Julius Bio is right. In as much as Sierra Leone welcomes inward foreign direct investment, Sierra Leone cannot be an environment where any unscrupulous investor can flaunt the laws of the state to the detriment of the citizens. It can no more be business as usual where corrupt politicians would collude with shady businessmen to the detriment of the citizens. Such reprehensible behavior can only be tolerated by the crooked APC.
Brilliant comment on this issue Young4na. Although you refuse to let me know your name, I give you thumbs up for this comment. If you are contributing in such a responsible manner, it will be a good idea if people get to know you by your name. You never know what tomorrow will bring. That’s my view. GOD BLESS YOU.
Matturi, l am delightful in your interest of getting to know me. What can I say; I am Sierra Leonean just like you. My government name is John Fornah and I belong to no political party in Sierra Leone. As far as I am concerned the two main parties are same – both corrupt, tribalistic and inept to a certain degree. So there is no point in selling my soul to either of the two devils.
I put mama Salone first, so I support whatever policies that are developmentally friendly and beneficial to the citizens of mama Salone. I hope you are ok with me now.
While the actions of the current regime might be legitimate in their quest to generate the much needed revenues in the midst of the dire economic situation, there is high risk of doing more harm than good momentarily. Already, the high taxes along with exorbitant custom duties levied on local businesses and investors is causing a lot of unfavorable economic activities on the ground.
There are reports of businesses closing or scaling down; and the prices of commodities skyrocketing as higher customs duties being passed onto the consumers. I am by no means an economist, however, in my own opinion, a developing nation like Sierra Leone in dire need of local and international investors cannot be seen being heavy handed on the business communities.
Again we all agree that investors must play according to the laid down rules and pay what is due to the country or local communities, however, I don’t think the regime’s current approach is the solution. Timing is a big factor here. Being a new regime in need of investors, you cannot start by playing hardball. On one hand, the president has been traveling across the globe countless times ,all with the goal of attracting investors to the country. Ironically, the existing investors at home are being treated with heavy handedness.
So what exactly is the regime expecting to gain with such approach? To me, its like the regime is shooting itself on the foot. The actions on the ground are undermining the very efforts being made by the president to attract investors. Its all about optics. In today’s global village, news spread like wild fire whether fake or authentic. So make no mistake, potential investors are definitely following up with events on the ground.
Another major hurdle is the current political climate on the ground. The new regime continues to show political intolerance and injustices, just like the previous regime. So there is really no investor friendly environment on the ground.