Test Drive 2q:2014 | Page 38

Benefits Contd.. Concerns •Significant consolidation potential. •Real cost inflation - not uncommon to the global sector. •60% of Sierra Leone is currently under-explored. •Local community activity threats (even though threats may exist, they are not that common). •Sierra Leonean assets are usually the lowest quartile of their respective cash cost of production (cheapest to extract) and highly resilient to decline in commodity prices. •Steps to engagement: •The Sierra Leonean government is progressive and understands mining and its benefits to the country. • • • •Recent changes to the mining royalty code were modest and government has indicated its support for the sector. • • •The supply of skilled labour and infrastructure are largely in place. • Early engagement with local Chiefs Proactive investment in local communities Maintaining positive corporate reputation (Corporate Social Responsibilities) Tax and royalty While still friendly on a global scale, more pressure to go in the other direction. •Relatively slow licensing process Sierra Leone Mining Sector Impact on Income Tax Collection Mining Sector Impact on Economic Growth Mining Sector Impact on Imports Mining Sector Impact on Imports Estimated Portfolio By Investor Country Mining Licenses: Presented Vs. Approved 2007-2013 Source: Sierra Leone Ministry of Mineral Resources World Bank Data ADB