-After MDA modification
Metal big, ArcelorMattal Liberia, guarantees to extend annual County Social Improvement Fund to $4 million for Liberia.
By Kruah Thompson
Monrovia, Liberia; June 13, 2025 – Appearing CEO and chief of operations at ArcelorMattal Liberia, Anthony P. Kocken, has promised to extend the Annual County Social Improvement Fund to $4 million after conclusion of the third Modification to its Mineral Improvement Settlement (MDA) with the Authorities of Liberia.
The Third Modification to the Mineral Improvement Settlement (MDA) between ArcelorMittal and the Authorities of Liberia is a proposed revision of the prevailing settlement that governs operations of the corporate in Liberia, notably mining of iron ore.
ArcelorMittal, one of many world’s largest metal and mining corporations, has been working in Liberia for the reason that authentic MDA was signed in 2005, and amended in 2006.
The corporate mines iron ore primarily from Mount Tokadeh in Nimba County and exports by means of Buchanan Port Grand Bassa County.
Nevertheless, as a main financial contributor right here, using 1000’s and contributing to the nationwide finances, the corporate got here into settlement with the Liberian Authorities underneath the third Modification to Prolong ArcelorMittal’s operations for a further 25 years.
Throughout this era, the corporate is anticipated to extend funding to over $1 billion, together with enlargement of mining operations, building of a brand new processing plant in Yekepa, enhancements to rail and port infrastructure, increment of manufacturing to fifteen million tonnes per yr, with potential to succeed in 30 million tonnes, and set up provisions for third-party entry to the rail and port infrastructure, which is a key situation for regional integration and entry by different mining corporations like HPX (Excessive Energy Exploration), whereas addressing neighborhood improvement, native content material, and rising income sharing.
Base on this settlement, the Home of Representatives handed the modification in 2022, however the Liberian Senate withheld approval, citing issues over lack of transparency, inadequate advantages to Liberia and native communities, points round unique management of infrastructure (rail and port) by ArcelorMittal, a necessity for open entry for different corporations like HPX and Guinea’s iron ore tasks.
As of mid-2024, negotiations and consultations proceed, with civil society, authorities, and worldwide stakeholders concerned.
Talking at MICAT common press briefing right here Thursday, June 12, 2024, Appearing CEO Kocken famous that the Annual County Social Improvement Fund will improve to $4 million, when the Third Modification is concluded.
On March 25, 2025, Liberia endorsed the Person-Operator framework proposed within the Third Modification to the MDA signed with the federal government.
He revealed that only one week in the past, they stood shoulder to shoulder with the Authorities and other people of Liberia to fee the nation’s first-ever iron ore concentrator, a historic milestone that marks not simply evolution of their operations, however the starting of a brand new period for Liberia
He stated they aren’t solely to share what they’ve completed collectively, however to ignite nationwide pleasure about what lies forward.
“This Part II enlargement just isn’t merely an organization funding; it’s a nationwide breakthrough. It’s a daring affirmation that Liberia can transfer past exporting uncooked supplies to producing high-grade, value-added iron”, Mr. Kocken stated.
He recalled that in March Liberia endorsed the Person-Operator framework proposed within the Third Modification to share rail facility with different customers.
AML CEO stated its rail mannequin, which is broadly used for bulk commodity transport in Australia, Brazil, and Canada, has additionally been efficiently carried out in neighboring Guinea.
AML has consented to the Rail System Working Ideas (RSOP) steered by the Liberian authorities that ensures clear and non-discriminatory rail operations.
“At the moment, we collect not solely to share what we’ve got completed collectively however to ignite nationwide pleasure about what lies forward.
The Part II enlargement just isn’t merely an organization funding; it’s a nationwide breakthrough. It’s a daring affirmation that Liberia can transfer past exporting uncooked supplies to producing high-grade, value-added iron focus proper right here on Liberian soil. It’s a sign to the world that Liberia is open for transformative enterprise and critical about sustainable improvement.”
He added that that is the facility of partnership, a partnership that over twenty years has grown stronger by means of mutual belief, shared sacrifice, and the unwavering perception that Liberia’s future can, and can, be constructed by Liberians.
“We’re speaking about 1000’s of jobs created. Billions invested. A whole lot of Liberian companies have been empowered. Total communities lifted. And a rise in nationwide income from $35 million to over $125 million yearly to assist colleges. clinics, roads, and alternative”, CEO Kocken disclosed.
