November 25, 2016 By Ibrahim Tarawallie
New Country Manager of AMR Gold Mining Company has disclosed plans by the company to employ more people to speedily facilitate the exploration process as they prepare to start small scale mining in Sella Limba Chiefdom, Bombali district.
Luke Rogers told a meeting at Kathanta village in the Bombali district that their continued intervention would help to boost economic growth in the country, as well as pave the way for direct and indirect socio-economic benefits for those employed and members of the community.
He explained that the ongoing exploration work was to increase the resource potentials for mining so as to add more licenses which will in turn increase the development benefits in the community.
“I am not only here to successfully supervise the company but to represent the investors who have a passion to invest in this country. I cherished working with you to enhance growth and development,” he said.
He recalled in Eritria, where he visited a mine which was at exploration stage but have been developed into a large industry and maintained that similar development could possibly be replicated through AMR Gold.
He therefore encouraged the people to cooperate with AMR Gold management and staff to allow unhindered exploration work, while assuring that AMR Gold was here to stay and support communities where they had their operations.
Also, Admin and Finance Manager, Mohamed Sultan Daffae reiterated that their quest to continue doing more if there was peace and cooperation between the company and the entire community.
He lauded the presence of women’s groups and urged that more women be given the opportunity to participate in community development.
According to Daffae, the company’s activities slowed down due to the effect of the deadly Ebola outbreak, coupled with the depreciating price of minerals in the world market which discouraged investment.
“This unfavourable situation resulted in the closure of many companies including Africa Minerals. This consequently had a ripple effect on employment and reduction of revenue to government. AMR Gold is aiming to buck that trend,” he said.
He maintained that if the exploration process continues with no interruption from the landowners, AMR Gold intends to obtain several small scale licenses to start active mining and engage in sustainable development.
Chief of Kathanta village who doubles as Chairman of the Landowners, Pa Bunduka Conteh said the company had contributed immensely to community development and livelihood support.