Timeline
2005: ArcelorMittal indicators a 25-year MDA with the Liberian authorities, setting the stage for iron ore mining operations.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
- 2006: ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. is formally created.
- 2011: ArcelorMittal begins mining operations in Liberia, marking the nation’s return to the worldwide iron ore stage after a 20-year absence.
- 2012: The primary cargo of Liberian iron ore is exported via Buchanan Port, demonstrating the success of the revived iron ore business.
- 2022: Section II enlargement is reactivated, indicating a dedication to development and elevated manufacturing.
- 2025: The concentrator is commissioned, additional solidifying ArcelorMittal’s place as a key participant in Liberia’s mining sector and a worldwide provider of premium iron ore focus.
YEKEPA, Nimba County – President Joseph Boakai, and ArcelorMittal Government Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, on Thursday attended the inauguration of ArcelorMittal’s world-class concentrator. The state-of-the-art concentrator—one of many largest iron ore beneficiation crops in Africa—is the centerpiece of ArcelorMittal’s US$1.8 billion Section II enlargement mission. The mission is predicted to spice up the corporate’s annual iron ore manufacturing in Liberia from 5 million tonnes to twenty million tonnes, whereas considerably enhancing product high quality to higher-grade, higher-value iron ore, in accordance with the corporate.
Coming shortly after the corporate marked 20 years of mining operations in Liberia, the commissioning of the concentrator brings ArcelorMittal’s whole funding within the nation to roughly US$3 billion.
Along with the concentrator, the enlargement mission contains vital infrastructure upgrades: the railway from Tokadeh to Buchanan is being modernized, a brand new pier has been added on the Buchanan Port, and new material-handling methods have been put in. The mission has employed 5,000 contractors and maintains a everlasting Liberian workforce of over 2,000.
A Milestone for Funding and Improvement
Talking on the ceremony, President Boakai hailed the mission as a major increase to Liberia’s economic system and an emblem of rising investor confidence.
“This degree of enlargement is a testomony to the growing confidence within the safety and well-being of the state, in addition to the present and future route of Liberia’s funding local weather,” President Boakai mentioned. “We’re knowledgeable that over 5,000 on-site building jobs have already been created, and upon completion, the mission will generate over 1,000 everlasting roles.”
The President emphasised that such large-scale funding also needs to end in an enlargement of ArcelorMittal’s company social accountability (CSR) efforts in sectors like well being, schooling, commerce, and employment.
“We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for this daring step and urge the corporate to proceed with its different funding pursuits, together with railway enlargement, port enhancement, and energy plant installations,” he added.
President Boakai inspired residents, significantly these within the mission counties, to embrace and help the funding, describing it as a once-in-a-generation alternative for nationwide transformation.
“This funding means so much. We’re right here to launch an initiative that can contact the lives of our folks. We should embrace and defend it,” he mentioned, drawing loud applause from the viewers.
The President additionally expressed appreciation to ArcelorMittal’s Board for reaffirming its long-term dedication to Liberia, and warranted that the federal government will guarantee accountability and adherence to the phrases of the Mineral Improvement Settlement (MDA).
Mittal: ‘The Starting of a Main Journey’
In his remarks, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, ArcelorMittal’s Government Chairman, described the inauguration as the beginning of a transformative chapter in Liberia’s mining sector.
“It’s great to be right here once more in Liberia to have a good time this essential milestone. Now we have been working in the direction of this second for a few years, and to have President Boakai right here with us makes it particularly memorable,” Mr. Mittal mentioned.
“This concentrator ensures the long-term way forward for mining in Liberia. It is going to quadruple our manufacturing capability, present jobs for 1000’s of Liberians, and make a major contribution to the nation’s financial prosperity.”
Mr. Mittal famous that ArcelorMittal takes its accountability to Liberia significantly, referencing the corporate’s contributions to infrastructure reminiscent of roads, energy era, and township improvement.
“Our presence right here over the previous 20 years has already modified the nation. This enlargement will convey even better achievements. We’re assured within the authorities and folks of Liberia. Nobody has invested what we now have invested,” he mentioned.
A Monitor File of Dedication
Since coming into Liberia in 2005 via a 25-year Mineral Improvement Settlement, ArcelorMittal has performed a central position in reviving the nation’s iron ore business. Mining operations started in 2011, and the primary iron ore cargo was exported by way of the Buchanan Port in 2012.
In 2022, the corporate reactivated its Section II enlargement and now, with the commissioning of the concentrator, stands at a vital turning level. ArcelorMittal is exploring additional enlargement to extend capability to 30 million tonnes yearly, with feasibility research underway for producing Direct Decreased Iron (DRI) high quality focus.
The present railway improve is already designed to help the long run goal of transporting 30 million tonnes of ore every year.
As Liberia positions itself to learn from its pure sources, the ArcelorMittal enlargement—one of many largest mining investments in Africa—alerts a renewed period of financial alternative, infrastructure development, and shared prosperity.
