By Bobor Dan Kamara
Local miners of one of Africa’s large scale commercial Gold mining company with JORC certificate resource of 5.81 Moz operating in Baomahun, Valunia Chiefdom Bo District, have voiced out their plights working in inimical condition while being underpaid.
Some workers told this medium that they are undergoing ‘modern-day slavery’ as they work for long hours without adequate compensation or basic amenities, not to talk of safety gears.
One worker who chose to speak anonymously averred that they have been deceived since inception for better condition of service, but they are experiencing the reverse.
The source further cited a situation of his colleague who sustained major injury and was later abandoned by the company.
It was also alleged that foreign workers, who don’t have work permits in Sierra Leone, are well paid and cared for while the locals receive pittance in salary.
Sources further underscored that there have been gaps in the provision of safety gears which violates Part XIX of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022, a reason some of them are exposed to make a tough decision between purchasing safety equipment or risk their health and safety on the job.
As allegations against the FG Gold mining company intensifies, there is urgent need for the National Mineral Agency and the Ministry of Labour to visit the mining site to address what one of the workers refers to as “modern-day slavery”.
We have made all organized efforts to get the side of FG Gold mining to no avail.
See next edition for more revelations.
