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The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources has supervised the disbursement of the Sierra Rutile Agricultural Development Fund to five host chiefdoms in Moyamba District, reaffirming its commitment to supporting agriculture and community development.
The disbursement, facilitated by Deputy Secretary Edward Mansaray at Lower Banta Chiefdom on 7 July 2026, brought together officials from the Ministry, the National Minerals Agency, Sierra Rutile, Paramount Chiefs, landowners, and other community stakeholders. The fund, a statutory obligation under Sierra Rutile’s 2002 agreement, benefits Imperi, Bagruwa, Lower Banta, Jong, and Upper Banta chiefdoms.
The allocations were Le732,554.65 for Imperi, Le218,120.20 for Bagruwa, Le588,513.00 for Lower Banta, Le218,120.00 for Jong, and Le423,893.00 for Upper Banta.
During the meeting, Paramount Chief John J. Russell of Lower Banta welcomed the disbursement but expressed concern over delays in releasing the funds, noting that late payments affect farming activities and expose local authorities to community complaints. Sierra Rutile Chief Financial Officer Prince Swaray assured stakeholders that the company would work with the Ministry to improve the timing of future disbursements.
Deputy Secretary Mansaray pledged to present the concerns to the Ministry’s leadership, stating that the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius D. Mattai, remains committed to improving the welfare of mining communities. Sierra Rutile Community Relations and Social Development Manager Osman Lahai reaffirmed the company’s willingness to engage communities, while LUC Ahmed Tejan Sali of the Rutile Division Police urged transparency and accountability in managing the fund.
Paramount Chief Jonathan Joseph Brown Katekpeh of Imperi Chiefdom welcomed the initiative and pledged to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries, while also supporting calls for earlier disbursement to enable timely preparation for the farming season.
The meeting concluded with Deputy Secretary Mansaray officially presenting the Agricultural Development Fund payments to representatives of the five beneficiary chiefdoms.
