SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT LEONE ROCK
…VICTIM COERCED INTO SECRECY OATH
CEO of LRMG, Gilbert Zhao
Following inquiries into the practices of the Chinese Mining Company, Leone Rock Metal Group (LRMG), previously known as China Kingho Mining, allegations of sexual harassment have surfaced involving a male Chinese staff member and a local female employee.
These accusations have emerged amidst a backdrop of various forms of mistreatment towards local employees by the company, all of which have gone unchecked.
Recently, a surprise visit by the Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, to the company’s mining site provided an opportunity for local workers to voice their grievances regarding the company’s degrading treatment.
Upon hearing the workers’ complaints, the Minister vehemently denounced the mistreatment and emphasized that behaviors such as violence, harassment, disrespect, discrimination, and intimidation are not tolerated under the guidelines of the Employment Act of 2023. He highlighted that there are consequences and penalties in place for any violations of these regulations.
In response to the allegations of sexual harassment towards the local female staff, Leone Rock’s Chief Technical Officer, Salim Sillah, stated that an investigation is currently underway to verify the claims. “I am not privy to this incident, but I view it with utmost seriousness,” Mr. Sillah remarked.
Nevertheless, sources from Tonkolili have alleged that the company attempted to silence the victim and law enforcement through bribery, as well as coerced them into signing confidentiality agreements.