Marampa Mines Limited (MML) has announced a temporary suspension of operations at its mining site in Lunsar, Port Loko District, citing challenging market conditions, rising freight and operating costs, and persistent operational difficulties. The announcement was made following the company’s submission of a formal notice of temporary suspension to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. The development marks another significant step in the company’s efforts to stabilize its operations amid mounting business pressures. In a joint business update, General Manager Angula Kalili and Chief Executive Officer Paul Lombard said the decision forms part of the company’s ongoing Marampa Reset initiative, introduced in September to strengthen its financial and operational position before pursuing future expansion. Management explained that despite progress under the restructuring program, external economic pressures had made additional measures necessary to safeguard the mine’s long-term viability. The company said its priority was to establish a more sustainable operational foundation capable of supporting future growth. During the suspension, Marampa Mines will retain a minimum number of employees to protect its operating license, secure company assets and maintain essential services at the site. Critical functions, including security, power supply, tailings and water management, environmental protection and essential maintenance, will continue.
The company is also developing a controlled shutdown-readiness plan to guide the safe suspension of activities. The plan will outline the procedures for stopping operations, the work that must continue during the shutdown period and the staffing arrangements required to maintain the site. High fuel prices have been identified as one of the major constraints facing the company. Management said available fuel must be carefully conserved to ensure that essential services remain operational throughout the suspension period. Meanwhile, the restructuring process announced in September will continue, with management emphasizing that accountability must begin at the leadership level. Employees directly affected by the changes will receive information through their respective Heads of Department and the Human Resources Department. Acknowledging the potential impact on workers and their families, the company described the decisions as difficult but necessary under the prevailing circumstances. Management recognized employees’ contributions to the development of Marampa Mines and said their welfare remained an important consideration throughout the process.
The company has urged employees to remain calm, comply with safety procedures, avoid speculation and treat one another with dignity and respect. It also stressed that efforts to reduce costs must not compromise workplace safety or the company’s obligations to employees, surrounding communities and the Government of Sierra Leone. Despite the temporary suspension, management expressed confidence in the mine’s long-term prospects, pointing to its mineral resources and workforce as important foundations for future recovery. The company also encouraged employees who remain able to do so to support community initiatives, including the Street Child Sierra Leone Marathon and the Well Woman Clinic Walk, which promotes breast cancer awareness. The duration of the suspension and the timing of a possible return to production were not specified in the announcement. Management’s position is that the immediate priority is to protect the mine’s assets, maintain essential services and strengthen the business so that operations can resume when market conditions become more favorable.
