By amadui.mansaray@awokonewspapersl.com
Maforki Chiefdom, Port Loko District — President Julius Maada Bio on Friday commissioned a state-of-the-art mineral export seaport built by CTC Mining, marking a major leap forward in Sierra Leone’s drive to maximize its natural resource potential and elevate national revenue.
The newly launched facility, situated in the heart of the resource-rich Port Loko District, is poised to transform the landscape of mineral exports—especially bauxite—while positioning Sierra Leone as a serious contender in the global mining economy. Significantly, CTC Mining, the company behind the project, is 50% Sierra Leonean-owned—a powerful testament to growing local participation in the extractive industries.
Addressing a spirited gathering of government officials, community leaders, company executives, and residents, President Bio hailed the project as a symbol of national progress and economic self-determination.
“This is more than just a seaport—it is a gateway to prosperity,” President Bio declared. “With this infrastructure in place, our bauxite exports are set to rise sharply, creating new revenue streams for the nation and unlocking economic opportunities for Port Loko and beyond.”
Designed to handle large-scale shipments with modern logistics infrastructure, the facility promises to ease longstanding export challenges and place the Port Loko District at the center of Sierra Leone’s mineral value chain. It is also expected to stimulate local economies by creating jobs, attracting investment, and encouraging small-scale enterprises linked to mining operations.
President Bio praised CTC Mining for its commitment to Sierra Leone and for demonstrating what’s possible when local ownership and strategic vision come together.
“CTC Mining is a shining example of what Sierra Leoneans can achieve when given the opportunity,” he said. “This partnership shows our collective commitment to building a fair, responsible, and locally inclusive mining sector.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to good governance, the President emphasized that transparency and accountability remain non-negotiable pillars of Sierra Leone’s extractive sector reform.
“We are determined to build a mining industry that is not only profitable but also ethical and equitable,” he added. “Our policies are designed to attract credible investors while ensuring that the benefits flow to all Sierra Leoneans—especially host communities.”
CTC Mining executives thanked the government for fostering an enabling environment and pledged continued collaboration to align their commercial objectives with the country’s development goals.
Local leaders in Maforki Chiefdom embraced the new development, calling it a long-awaited opportunity that must deliver real, lasting benefits to surrounding communities. They urged ongoing dialogue and inclusive planning to ensure investments translate into improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, and livelihoods.
The commissioning of the CTC Mining seaport stands as a proud milestone in President Bio’s broader vision to leverage Sierra Leone’s natural wealth for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and national pride. AIM/12/5/2025
