The London-based African Minerals Limited (AML), which is mining iron ore in Sierra Leone, on Tuesday began loading the country's first iron ore export for 30 years, the shipment bound for China.

The loading of the 40,000 tons of ore, which will be completed by the end of the month, is destined for the Shandong Iron and Steel Group in eastern China, the company said in a statement.

AML Executive Chairman Frank Timis pronounced himself "delighted that our Phase 1 Tonkolili Project with major expansion still to follow has reached this important milestone which will see the company emerge as a world-class iron ore exporter.

"The shipment represents the first iron ore to be mined and exported from Sierra Leone for almost 30 years and will undoubtedly have a significant positive impact on the people of Sierra Leone and the country's economy," he enthused.

He added that with planned near-term expansion to 20 million tons per annum "we will shortly become the largest fully integrated exporter of iron ore in west Africa."

Sierra Leone's President Ernest Koroma described the imminent iron ore export as "a significant milestone."

"The strong relationship built with African Minerals is testament to the long term partnership the government of Sierra Leone is committed to building with responsible natural resource companies," Koroma added.