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Following freight Levies for its shipments of iron ore from Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration demands Marampa Mines Limited (MML) to pay US$5.7 Million.
The National Revenue Authority (NRA) has issued a demand notice to Marampa Mines Limited to promptly pay the US$5.7 million freight levies. Marampa Mines has contested this demand, claiming exemption from all port, harbor, loading or unloading dues, fees, and stevedoring charges imposed by the SLPA, SLMA, or any other entity. They cite provisions within their Mining Licence Agreement signed with the Government of Sierra Leone in December 2021, which spans 25 years.
Conversely, the SLMA argues that the Administration has the authority, as outlined in Section II (1) of the SLMA Act, to impose charges on large-scale mining companies for cargo discharged or loaded in Sierra Leone. A former senior Member of Parliament from the opposition All Peoples Congress Party emphasized that an Act of Parliament holds greater authority than an Agreement ratified by Parliament.
A spokesperson for the Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority warned that failure to comply with the NRA’s demand order could result in the impoundment of Marampa Mines’ vessels and the cessation of their operations in Sierra Leonean waters. A senior official from MML reiterated their reliance on legal advice provided by their legal team.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted to resolve this dispute.
