Last week, Iluka issued this statement:

“His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone has intervened to assist in the resolution of the dispute. This has followed further strike action taken by the workforce.

“Following meetings on 26 November between the company’s subsidiary, Sierra Rutile Limited (SRL), the United Mineworkers’ Union and the Government of Sierra Leone, including the President, Vice President, Chief Minister and other senior ministers, the President has established a task force in support of resolving issues between the Union and SRL.

“The Government of Sierra Leone has advised that:   All mining workers must respect the United Mineworkers’ Union rule of law and their fellow workers and all mining companies must positively engage, consult and dialogue with one another, at all times, with respect; all mining companies must follow and observe the rules and procedures set out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including the provisions of the CBA, which regulate disciplinary processes, in all circumstances; Discipline in all mining operations is paramount to ensure the safe and efficient production of minerals for the benefit of the Republic of Sierra Leone.

“The process to restart operations at Sierra Rutile has commenced and Iluka expects mining operations to resume in the next few days. 

“The impact on Iluka’s rutile production and sales commitments will be dependent on the time required to return to full operations but is likely to be around the low end of the guidance range of 125 – 130 thousand tonnes of rutile advised to the market on 31 October 2018.” 

This latest strike action is the second this year. Three months ago, operations at Sierra Rutile came to a standstill, following the decision of mine workers to stage a walk out.

Rutile export is a major revenue stream for the government of Sierra Leone.