Pepel (Port)

Latest news

Sierra Leone has begun loading its first iron ore shipment in 30 years.

African Minerals Limited (AML), the London-based mining house which has been exploiting the iron ore reserves at Tonkolili in Sierra Leone, says the first shipment of 40,000 tonnes is destined for the Shandong Iron and Steel Group in Eastern China, Ports & Ships (SA) reports. “The shipment represents the first iron ore to be mined and exported from Sierra Leone for almost 30 years and will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on the people of Sierra Leone and the country's economy,” said AML executive chairman Frank Timis who said he was delighted with Phase 1 of the project. The ore is being loaded at the port of Pepel, near the mouth of the Sierra Leone River. Pepel was first developed for the export of iron ore in 1933 to handle ore mined at Marampa, some 65km to the east-northeast of Pepel. Iron ore mining was later suspended (in 1975) and the port facility fell into disuse. More at http://ports.co.za/news/news_2011_11_10_01.php