Sierra Leone

Sierra Rutile is one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most prominent companies. It employs more than 2,700 people and its workforce is over 98% Sierra Leonean. As a major employer, the operation has a commitment to local content and procurement. The company occupies an important role in Sierra Leone’s national economy and the local economies of Bonthe and Moyamba in particular.

Following Iluka’s acquisition of Sierra Rutile in December 2016, Iluka group-level sustainability frameworks have been implemented with a focus on safety, environmental management and anti‑bribery and corruption. The operation emphasises land rehabilitation as an essential part of its operating model; and has adopted a ‘back to basics’ approach to safety, including personal accountability, understanding risks, incident and hazard reporting and the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment. Once complete, Iluka’s upgrade of Sierra Rutile’s infrastructure will also enhance worker safety.

Sierra Rutile has an established operating history over more than 50 years and further mine life of at least 20 years, dependent on future development options. Iluka plans to increase Sierra Rutile's production from current levels of ~150ktpa of rutile. Expansion projects at Lanti Dry and Gangama are underway, with commissioning planned for 2019. In addition, a definitive feasibility study is being undertaken for a new mine development at the Sembehun group of deposits, with final development subject to Board approval.

For the latest updates on expanision project progress, please refer to our latest quarterly results.