SL Mining Limited, a subsidiary of ‘Gerald Group’ announced the first shipment of iron ore concentrate, branded ‘Marampa Blue’ which set sail on MV Cooper from Freetown Port (Queen Elizabeth II), in Sierra Leone.

Located in the Port Loko District, in the northern province of Sierra Leone, SL Mining is engaged in the exploration, development, and production of high-grade iron ore concentrate with >65 percent Fe content

The loading of over 55,000 tons high-grade 65 percent iron ore concentrate completed June 16, 2019, and set sail the same day. The shipment will be delivered to customers in China, with a second shipment expected to leave soon on MV Ultralaz carrying approximately 62,000 tons of iron ore concentrate.

Sierra Leone Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Foday Rado Yokie said that iron ore exports had been dormant for four years. Today is a historic day. Marampa Blue, very high-grade ore from Sierra Leone, is a signal to the world that this country is open for business.

Craig Dean, Chairman, Gerald Group and SL Mining said, SL Mining first shipment is a proud day and a key milestone for SL Mining, the employees and contractors who have been working this complex project to restore production of iron ore at the Marampa mines alongside local communities and the Government of Sierra Leone. Craig Dean thanks everyone involved. SL Mining strategic asset in Gerald Group’s global portfolio goal is to make ‘Marampa Blue’ an internationally recognized premium brand. SL Mining intends to expand the delivery of high-grade >65 percent iron ore concentrate to markets in Europe and Africa.

SL Mining was granted a renewable large-scale Mining License under the Mines and Minerals Act, 2009, in March 2017 for a term of 25 years.

SL Mining, emphasizing the strong support for the Marampa project locally, and reflecting its significant importance to the national economy, Gerald Group’s international expertise in metals, finance, strategic investments and experienced management teams and employees, aim to build a resilient industry and to expand operations by integrating mining, processing, rail and port logistics. And play a responsible role in the economic and social stability of the Lunsar region.

About Gerald Group

Gerald Group is one of the world’s oldest and largest independent employee-owned metal trading houses, founded in 1962 in the United States. Gerald Group headquartered in London led by Chairman and CEO, Craig Dean. The Group has approximately US$10 billion in turnover.

The Group operates trading hubs in Shanghai, Stamford, and Switzerland for the merchanting of non-ferrous, ferrous and precious metals, as well as related concentrates and raw materials. Gerald contributes to world trade economic development. The Group’s global footprint, conservative risk management culture, expert market intelligence, experienced and innovative trading desks combined with logistics, storage, and structured finance solutions, are complemented by a strategic relationship that enhancing business capability, provides customers access to a diverse and steady supply of resources.