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Tonkolili Iron Ore Limited, operating as Kingho Mining, is a major iron ore mining operation in Sierra Leone. It is located in the Northern Province, specifically in the Tonkolili District, and is a significant contributor to the country’s mining industry. Kingho Mining took over the mine from Shandong Iron & Steel in 2020, following a period of uncertainty and the mine’s initial cancellation.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Ownership and Operation:
Kingho Mining is a subsidiary of Kingho Investment Company, a Chinese-owned company. They restarted operations at the mine in late 2020, following the relicensing by the Sierra Leone government.
Scale and Resources:
The mine is one of the largest in Sierra Leone and Africa, with an estimated 12.8 billion tonnes of iron ore reserves grading 64% iron metal.
Production and Exports:
Kingho Mining exports iron ore, primarily to China, for their steel industry. In 2020, the mine shipped its first batch of iron ore since Kingho took over, marking a new chapter for the mine.
Expansion Plans:
Kingho Mining is currently implementing Stage 2 of the project, which includes the construction of a 12Mtpa beneficiation plant by 2024, to further increase output and improve ore grade.
Impact on Local Communities:
The mine’s operations have had a significant impact on the local communities in the Tonkolili District, and Kingho Mining has been engaged in various community development initiatives, including the rehabilitation of a school and the launch of a Women in Agriculture Project.