By Stephen G Fellajuah
Yekepa, Nimba County, June 6, 2025: ArcelorMittal Liberia has commissioned the nation’s first-ever world-class iron ore concentrator plant, marking a serious milestone within the firm’s Part II enlargement and a transformative step for Liberia’s mining sector.
The inauguration ceremony passed off on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Tokadeh, Nimba County. It was graced by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who referred to as on all Liberians, particularly these in concession areas, to embrace the funding and its long-term advantages for the nation.
“This occasion is a joyous event. It demonstrates confidence in Liberia’s potential and future,” President Boakai stated, expressing gratitude to ArcelorMittal and the native communities which have supported the mission.
Preside Boakai and Arcelor Mittal Govt Lakshmi slicing the ribbon.
He harassed the significance of stability and urged all events to uphold the agreements that make sure the mission’s good points immediately profit the Liberian folks.
The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting by President Boakai, adopted by a demonstrative take a look at of the brand new concentrator. The occasion drew a broad viewers, together with authorities officers, members of the diplomatic corps, native leaders, and ArcelorMittal workers.
ArcelorMittal’s Govt Chairman, Lakshmi Mittal, introduced the corporate’s progress and marketing strategy to the President. He underscored the corporate’s rising funding portfolio, now exceeding US$3 billion, and praised the robust belief and collaboration between ArcelorMittal and the Liberian authorities.
“No different investor has matched ArcelorMittal’s degree of dedication,” Mittal stated, expressing confidence in President Boakai’s management and the way forward for Liberia’s economic system.
The commissioning of the concentrator signifies a serious industrial achievement for Liberia: the first-ever home manufacturing of high-grade iron ore focus. This leap in value-added mineral processing positions Liberia extra competitively within the world mining trade.
As a part of the $3 billion Part II Enlargement Venture, ArcelorMittal plans to quadruple manufacturing, from 5 million to twenty million tonnes of iron ore per yr. The enlargement is predicted to create over 5,000 development jobs and 1,200 everlasting positions, offering a serious increase to employment in a rustic with one of many highest jobless charges globally.
Elevated authorities income is one other important end result. Annual funds from ArcelorMittal are projected to rise from $35 million to $125 million, injecting very important funds into Liberia’s nationwide growth efforts.
An $800 million improve to Liberia’s 243-kilometer heavy-haul railway, linking Yekepa to the Port of Buchanan, can also be underway. Upgraded to U.S. requirements, the railway will help greater volumes of iron ore whereas enhancing transportation, connectivity, and commerce alongside the hall.
Past infrastructure, ArcelorMittal is investing in long-term human capital growth. The corporate has rehabilitated faculties, supported instructional initiatives, and affords tuition-free, internationally accredited coaching by its Younger Professionals Program.
A latest milestone noticed 236 younger Liberians employed on the concentrator, together with 108 Course of Operator Learners and 128 graduates of the ArcelorMittal Liberia Coaching Academy, underscoring the corporate’s dedication to empowering native expertise.
Because it started operations in Liberia in 2005, ArcelorMittal has grow to be the nation’s largest international investor and private-sector employer. The corporate’s constant tax contributions, infrastructure tasks, and group partnerships have cemented its position as a key participant in Liberia’s post-conflict growth.
Because the nation celebrates this historic inauguration, ArcelorMittal is seen not merely as a mining big, however as a strategic companion in Liberia’s journey towards financial resilience, industrial progress, and inclusive progress.
The launch of the concentrator symbolizes greater than technological development, it tells a narrative of nationwide dedication, public-private collaboration, and the ability of shared imaginative and prescient. It’s a beacon of what’s potential when ambition meets alternative.
Because the solar rose over Yekepa on June 5, it illuminated not only a new facility however the renewed hope and potential of a nation able to rise.
