YEKEPA, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the nation’s largest international investor and iron ore producer, will on Thursday, June 5, dedicate a cutting-edge iron ore concentrator in Yekepa, Nimba County. The ceremony can be attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and ArcelorMittal’s Government Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, in a momentous event for Liberia’s mining and industrial future.
The iron ore concentrator—West Africa’s first—is a centerpiece of AML’s formidable Part II Growth Undertaking, a multi-billion-dollar initiative to modernize Liberia’s mining infrastructure and considerably improve the nation’s iron ore output.
The occasion marks a significant milestone as AML celebrates 20 years of operations in Liberia, and underscores the corporate’s long-term dedication to nationwide growth and financial development.
A Leap Ahead in Liberia’s Industrial Growth
With an funding exceeding $US2 billion, the Part II mission will triple AML’s iron ore manufacturing from 5 million tonnes every year (Mtpa) to twenty Mtpa by 2025. The brand new concentrator—now mechanically full and present process moist commissioning—is designed to improve lower-grade hematite ore (35–37% Fe) into high-grade magnetite focus with over 66% Fe content material.
“This can be a transformative step not only for ArcelorMittal, however for the whole Liberian economic system,” mentioned Winston Daryoue, Communications Supervisor at AML. “It means extra jobs, greater income for the federal government, and a stronger industrial basis for Liberia.”
President Boakai and Mr. Mittal to Attend
President Boakai is anticipated to ship a key assertion on the dedication, reaffirming the federal government’s help for accountable funding and sustainable growth. Mr. Mittal’s participation additional underscores the significance of the Liberian operation in ArcelorMittal’s international technique.
Key Elements of Part II
The Part II enlargement spans 4 strategic domains. One is the Mine and Concentrator situated in Nimba. At this element, 15 Mtpa iron ore concentrator is accomplished, new ore crushing and conveying techniques, superior infrastructure: energy substations, tailings services, management rooms and strict environmental and security requirements are absolutely met.
The rail improve on the Yekepa–Buchanan Hall is one other key function. This improve embody over 440,000 new rail sleepers and 230,000 meters of observe alignment accomplished, acquisition of 16 new locomotives and 700 wagons, over $125 million invested in rail logistics and rolling inventory and fashionable signaling and communication techniques put in for safer, extra environment friendly operations
The port enlargement in Buchanan, Grand Bassa has seen the extension of berth to deal with Panamax vessels, new shiploader with 6,000–8,000 tonnes per hour capability andenhanced stockyards, stackers, reclaimers, and environmental management techniques.
It has additionally seen the enhance of Socioeconomic and Environmental Affect that has generate over 3,000 direct jobs for Liberians created throughout development, extra 1000’s of oblique jobs supported, investments in healthcare, schooling, and group infrastructure. AML stays Liberia’s largest taxpayer and high contributor to nationwide revenues. As well as full Environmental and Social Affect Evaluation (ESIA) has been performed and accepted.
20 Years of Partnership with Liberia
ArcelorMittal started its operations in Liberia in 2005 with the signing of the Mineral Growth Settlement (MDA). Since then, it has performed a pivotal position within the nation’s post-war financial restoration and industrialization.
Timeline of Key Milestones:
• 2005 – MDA signed with the Authorities of Liberia
• 2011 – Graduation of Direct Transport Ore (DSO) operations
• 2012 – First iron ore exported via Buchanan Port
• 2022 – Reactivation of Part II enlargement
• 2025 – First cargo of high-grade magnetite focus anticipated
Trying Forward
As soon as absolutely operational, the brand new concentrator and related infrastructure will place Liberia as a number one exporter of high-grade iron ore within the international market. AML’s investments are additionally designed to make sure long-term sustainability—each economically and environmentally.
“This mission goes past mining. It’s an built-in industrial hall from mine to port that transforms communities, modernizes nationwide infrastructure, and elevates Liberia’s position in international provide chains,” AML acknowledged.