Sierra Leone－Carriage of Iron Ore Fines Cargoes－Liquefaction Risk 15 September 2021 No.21-007 Tweet Download PDF (295KB) Sierra Leone – Iron Ore Fines   Members are referred to previous circulars and the risks arising from the carriage of mineral ores from certain jurisdictions, including possible liquefaction of such cargoes and the lack of a regulatory oversight at the loading ports.  The risks of Iron ore fines are of increasing concern, particularly shipments from Sierra Leone arising from a phased restart of iron mines in the region and with vessels loading such cargoes in the port of Pepel.   The International Group understands that some cargoes of iron ore fines intended for shipment from the port of Pepel have been stockpiled outdoors uncovered for a prolonged period posing a particular risk of liquefaction during the wet season. It is also understood that some cargoes intended for shipment from Pepel have previously been considered too low grade for export and have been left in uncovered stockpiles for prolonged periods. They are now being blended with higher grade materials for export.   Members should be aware that iron ore fines shipped from Pepel with a high moisture content may liquefy. When the moisture content is above 14% the risk of liquefaction is very high. Typically, iron ore fines from the region will display moisture contents of between 13% and 16% during the wet season. In addition, it is normal for the upper surfaces of any stockpiled material to appear relatively dry during the dry season period but wet at increasing depths throughout the stockpiled material. It is important therefore that shippers carefully monitor, identify and separate those materials that require stockpiling and draining from those materials that are safe to ship.    Members should also be aware that anomalies and inconsistencies have been seen in declarations and test certificates provided by shippers for iron ore fines cargoes loaded for