Marampa Mines has notified Sierra Leone's minister of mines that it plans to suspend operations temporarily, citing difficult market conditions, high freight and operating costs, and limited fuel supplies, the company told employees in an internal message reported by Sierraloaded on October 22. A minimum workforce will remain to protect the mining license and maintain the site.
Analysis: Diesel prices rose 29% to 45 SLE (€1.76) per liter after two increases since early August. Marampa says expensive fuel has constrained its purchases, contributing to its planned shutdown. A prolonged halt could reduce mineral exports and related royalties and transport income, while weakening demand for suppliers and contractors. The company has not given an end date and says shutdown plans are still being finalized. In an October 26 notice, the labor ministry said it was working with the union to protect workers' legal entitlements, according to Sierraloaded. The timetable for resuming production remains unknown.
Source: Premier Media, Government statement on new pump prices (September 2026), as published by Premier News, From early September 2026; Premier Media, Government announcement of new pump prices, as reported by Premier News, To 2 August 2026; Bank of Sierra Leone, BSL Indicative Exchange Rates 26-10-2026 (reference rates), 26 October 2026