By Bill W. Cooper
At long last, residents of Jikandon have signed a landmark settlement agreement with Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC), marking a significant step towards addressing the concerns of local communities affected by the Company’s mining operations.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, in Grand Cape Mount County in the presence of several government officials, including local officials and BBMC representatives, outlined a comprehensive plan for the relocation of 50 affected families within 30 days.
The agreement further included a commitment from the mining company to build essential infrastructure for the affected families, including the provision for financial support to the displaced families.
However, the settlement agreement comes after years of negotiations between the residents and their lawyer, some government institutions, and representatives from BMMC, a subsidiary of the Canadian-based Aureus Mining.
The mining company has been operating in the region for several years, extracting gold and other minerals, but its activities have raised concerns about environmental degradation, displacement, and the socio-economic impact on local communities.
Jikandon, a small community nestled in Darblo Clan, Grand Cape Mount County, has been home to generations of families who rely on agriculture, small-scale trade and other activities for their livelihoods.
However, the expansion of Bea Mountain’s mining operations has led to the encroachment of mining activities into residential areas, prompting fears of displacement and loss of livelihood among the residents.
In response to these concerns, the residents, through their lawyer, Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh from the ‘Sannoh and Partners, held a series of meetings with the BMMC about the implications of the mining operations and the need for a fair settlement.
The residents, however, expressed their desire for a solution that would not only address their immediate needs but also ensure long-term benefits for the community, current children and children yet unborn.
Giving the overview of the agreement, the resident’s lawyer, Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh disclosed that negotiations and tussle behind the signing of the agreement started three years ago when the residents complained to him how BBMC’s operation in the areas was affecting their lives.
He said, “Three years ago, my people complained to BMMC about how their operations were polluting their water and affecting their crops. It was from that day we initiated a legal action against BBMC, a decision successfully brought us here today.”
“So, after months and years of legal battle, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) then got involved and did a water study which recommended that the people of Jikandon, covering three villages, be relocated,” he revealed.
According to him, the affected 50 family heads are expected to be relocated to 500 acres of land purchased by BMMC from residents/citizens of Monokonan and Clay to the tune of US$US$250,000 in Monokonan and Clay.
Cllr. Sannoh maintained, “They will move from here immediately or within 30 days after the signing of these documents. They will find somewhere to reside till the completion of their 50 homes construction in Cape Town.
“The newly expected state-of-the-art house will have three bedrooms each, a kitchen and a toilet. The company will also give them US$200 every month for rent payments and business till the completion of their homes.
As they are moving within a 30 day period from now, each family head will get US$600 for three months’ rent payment and do business, and upon the completion of the home, they will also be given a relocation package to the tune of US$10,000,” he added.
The BMMC Representative, identified as Emery, on behalf of the Company’s General Manager, thanked all parties for bringing the long-awaited issues between their company and Jikandon Residents to a successful conclusion.
Emery noted that the signing of the settlement agreement between the residents of Jikandon and BMMC marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dialogue between mining companies and local communities in the country.
He added that while challenges remain, BMMC is committed to the relocation process, as well as contributing to the County’s infrastructure development, fostering a more sustainable future for the community and county.
The Jikandon Chairman for Down Screen, Alex Fahnbulleh and Chairlady, on behalf of the residents, thanked both Cllr. Sannoh and BMMC for amicably reaching a peaceful resolution on addressing the longstanding dispute.
Chairman Fahnbulleh asserted, “We are happy that we have reached an agreement, but I hope that BMMC will keep their promises, because we have suffered for too long, and we need to see real changes in our lives.”
He, however, expressed his hope that the new housing and infrastructure would improve their living conditions, and added, “We have been living in fear of losing our homes, but now we can look forward to a better and more prosperous future.”
Meanwhile, as the residents of Jikandon prepare for their relocation, the focus has now shifted to the implementation of the settlement agreement and the construction of the promised infrastructure by BMMC despite their commitment to conclude the work within six months.
