Marampa Iron Ore Mine

The Marampa Mine is one of West Africa's most historically significant iron ore mines, located near the town of Lunsar in the Port Loko District of Sierra Leone. Commercial extraction of iron ore began here in 1933 under the management of the Sierra Leone Development Company (DELCO). For decades, the mine served as the backbone of both the colonial and early independent economy of the country. The geological deposits at Marampa are renowned for high-grade specularite hematite, which is highly valued globally for steel production. Operations ceased during the civil war in the 1990s but were revitalized in the 21st century through massive investments from international firms such as London Mining and later the Gerald Group (operating as Marampa Mines Limited). The mine utilizes modern open-cast mining techniques and maintains extensive on-site processing facilities. The project is a major employer in the region and contributes substantially to Sierra Leone's GDP. Beyond its economic impact, the mine is a focal point for corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives aimed at supporting local communities.

Nearby cities

Port Loko

Port Loko is the capital of the North West Province and a major trade center.

Lunsar

Lunsar is a significant mining town in the northwest, known for its iron ore deposits.

Kambia

Kambia is the capital of the district of the same name and a major gateway to Guinea.

Kamakwie

Kamakwie is a town in Karene District and a significant commercial center in the northwest.

Kukuna

Kukuna is an important town in Kambia District, near the border with Guinea.

Mambolo

Mambolo is a port town in Kambia District known for its fishing and agriculture.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park

A unique northern park blending savanna and rainforest, home to elephants and hippos.

Rokupr

Rokupr is known for its rice research institute and its location on the Great Scarcies River.

History & landmarks

Lungi International Airport

Lungi is the sole international airport of Sierra Leone and the main gateway to the rest of the world.

Nature

Little Scarcies River

The Little Scarcies River, also known as the Kaba, is a major river in northwestern Sierra Leone.

Great Scarcies River

The Great Scarcies River, also called the Kolenté, forms part of the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea.

More places

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Masimera Heritage Site

Masimera is a historical site closely linked to the history of the Temne chiefdoms.

Magbele Historical Port

Magbele on the Rokel River was a major river port for timber exports in the 19th century.

Bai Bureh Memorial

The memorial commemorates Bai Bureh, a national hero who led the resistance against the British Hut Tax.

Port Loko Cashew Orchards

In Port Loko, thousands of cashew trees grow, their nuts providing a valuable export commodity for local farmers.

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Bolum Plateau

The Bolum Plateau is a flat coastal upland in the northwest that drops steeply towards the Atlantic.

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Pepel Port

A specialized export port on the Sierra Leone River, primarily used for shipping iron ore from the Marampa mines.

Kambia Rice Polders

The vast rice fields protected by embankments in Kambia utilize the fertile silt from the tidal rivers.

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Singamba Forest

The Singamba Forest is a significant forest area in the northwest that serves as a wildlife refuge.