Pepel Port

Pepel Port is a specialized industrial port in Sierra Leone, located approximately 25 kilometers upstream from Freetown on the Sierra Leone River. It serves as the nation's primary export hub for iron ore extracted from the Marampa and Tonkolili mines. The port was established in the 1930s by the Sierra Leone Development Company (DELCO) and was originally linked to inland mines by a dedicated railway line. Pepel plays a critical role in the national economy, as a significant portion of the country's mineral revenue is generated through its operations. Following a period of decline during the civil war, the port underwent extensive renovation and expansion to handle the massive volumes of iron ore exported by companies such as African Minerals and later Shandong Steel. The infrastructure features sophisticated loading facilities capable of transferring ore directly from conveyor belts to massive bulk carriers. Due to its riverside location, regular dredging is required to maintain the depth of the navigation channel for large vessels. Pepel remains a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's 21st-century industrial strategy.

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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Bolum Plateau

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

Port Loko Cashew Orchards

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

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.

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Masimera Heritage Site

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

Marampa Iron Ore Mine

One of the oldest and most significant iron ore mines in Sierra Leone, located near the town of Lunsar.

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.