Introduction

Following discovery of iron ore in Sierra Leone Sierra Leone Development Co Ltd (DELCO) was formed in 1930 by William Baird & Co Ltd and Northern Mercantile & Investment Co (and a minority share owned by United Africa Co Ltd).

DELCO developed the iron ore field at Marampa Mine and a railway of 52 miles which ran west to a port at Pepel Island Pier, Tagrin Bay.

The mine was in operation in 1933 with full production a few years later. With the opening of this mine Bairds not only secured their future supply of iron ore but also became suppliers of ore to other companies.

Closure of DELCO was in 1975, although the line had further life for a few years and the mine has seen intermittent use until recently.

Going further east than Marampa, Tonkolili iron ore mine is open today, with parts of the haul road running along part of the former railway, finishing at a new export pier further inland than the DELCO pier.