NIMBA — ArcelorMittal Govt Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal has arrived in Liberia forward of the commissioning of the nation’s first iron ore concentrator, a historic occasion scheduled for Thursday, June 5, in Yekepa, Nimba County.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The ceremony, which may also be attended by President Joseph Boakai and different senior authorities officers, will mark a big milestone in Liberia’s industrial improvement and financial transformation.
Mr. Mittal’s go to highlights the strategic significance of Liberia inside ArcelorMittal’s world operations and displays the corporate’s long-term dedication to the nation’s development.
The commissioning of the concentrator is the centerpiece of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s US$3 billion Part II enlargement mission, the most important overseas direct funding in Liberia for the reason that finish of its civil battle.
The brand new iron ore concentrator, the primary of its form in West Africa, will allow Liberia to course of lower-grade iron ore into high-grade magnetite focus, permitting the nation so as to add worth to its mineral sources as an alternative of exporting uncooked ore. That is anticipated to extend authorities revenues, generate 1000’s of jobs, and strengthen Liberia’s place within the world iron ore market.
A senior Liberian authorities official described the occasion as a turning level for the nation, noting that the arrival of Mr. Mittal demonstrates the seriousness with which ArcelorMittal regards Liberia’s improvement potential. The official mentioned the commissioning is not only about opening a brand new plant however signifies the ignition of Liberia’s industrial future.
Mr. Mittal is likely one of the most outstanding figures within the world metal and mining trade, and his go to is extensively seen as a vote of confidence in Liberia’s funding local weather below the administration of President Boakai.
The federal government has made financial transformation, infrastructure improvement, and job creation key priorities below its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Improvement. President Boakai is anticipated to handle the nation on the ceremony, emphasizing the federal government’s objective to transition Liberia from exporting uncooked supplies to producing high-value commodities.
In accordance with ArcelorMittal Liberia, the concentrator is mechanically full and present process moist commissioning. When operational, it can improve lower-grade hematite ore containing 35 to 37 p.c iron right into a premium magnetite focus exceeding 66 p.c iron content material.
Manufacturing is anticipated to extend from the present 5 million tonnes each year to fifteen million tonnes initially, with plans to achieve 20 million tonnes by the top of 2025.
The commissioning occasion may also spotlight different crucial infrastructure developments below the Part II enlargement, together with upgrades to the Yekepa-Buchanan railway hall, the place greater than 440,000 new sleepers and 230,000 meters of observe have been put in.
The rail line has additionally been modernized with 16 new locomotives, 700 wagons, and superior signaling and communication programs to enhance security and effectivity. At Buchanan Port, the berth has been prolonged to accommodate Panamax-class vessels, and a brand new high-capacity shiploader has been put in together with upgraded materials dealing with and environmental management services.
Michiel van der Merwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, mentioned the mission has already created over 3,000 building jobs and is anticipated to generate greater than 7,000 direct jobs at full operation. He emphasised that the brand new infrastructure is not going to solely help mining actions but in addition catalyze broader regional improvement.
The mission has additionally made vital investments in neighborhood improvement, together with healthcare, training, clear water, and financial inclusion packages. Since 2005, ArcelorMittal has contributed greater than US$48 million to the County Social Improvement Fund, together with a latest US$4 million enhance tied to the renegotiated Mineral Improvement Settlement.
A full Environmental and Social Affect Evaluation was carried out and authorized earlier than building started.
Van der Merwe reiterated that ArcelorMittal is a long-term accomplice dedicated to Liberia’s sustainable improvement, saying the commissioning of the concentrator is proof of that dedication.
ArcelorMittal’s presence in Liberia dates again to 2005 with the signing of the unique Mineral Improvement Settlement. The corporate resumed mining operations in 2011 with Direct Delivery Ore and has since develop into Liberia’s largest taxpayer and overseas investor.
Key milestones in ArcelorMittal Liberia’s historical past embody the 2005 MDA signing, the beginning of DSO operations in 2011, the primary iron ore exports by way of Buchanan Port in 2012, the reactivation of Part II enlargement in 2022, and the commissioning of the concentrator in 2025.
As soon as totally operational, the concentrator and its related infrastructure will place Liberia as a key world provider of premium iron ore focus. The built-in strategy, from mine to rail to port, creates an industrial hall anticipated to function a mannequin for future overseas direct funding.
The commissioning ceremony is anticipated to attract a variety of stakeholders, together with worldwide buyers, improvement companions, and civil society representatives.
