The untapped iron ore riches of Sierra Leone have attracted the attention of an Australian pay-TV pioneer and entrepreneur Steve Cosser.

The now London-based Mr Cosser said his privately held Africa Inc is to acquire a 3bnt coastal iron ore deposit near the town of Bagla Hills in eastern Sierra Leone.

Mr Cosser said the iron ore deposit was currently the subject of a conservation order. “But they are going to lift it because of the wealth that can come into the country would be enormous,” he said.