By Lincoln G. Peters
Monrovia, January 22, 2026: The Liberian Senate is anticipated to concur with the Home of Representatives on the passage of the third (third) modification of the Arcelor Mittal Liberia Mineral Improvement Settlement, following tense scrutiny and displays by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMCC).
Based mostly upon the scrutiny and listening to, the Senate might seemingly vote for the settlement in the present day, Thursday, January 22, 2026, concurring with the Home of Representatives.
Lately, President Joseph N. Boakai formally submitted to the nationwide legislature the third MDA of AML searching for legislative evaluation and subsequent ratification of the Settlement.
It may be recalled that the Home of Representatives, on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by a majority vote, handed the ArcelorMittal Liberia third (third) Mineral Improvement Settlement for an additional twenty-five (25) years.
The Liberian Senate, in its quest to cross the settlement, performed a public listening to with members of the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, within the Chamber of the Liberian Senate.
Members of the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee on the Senate listening to embody the Ministry of Finance and Improvement Planning (MFDP), the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), the Nationwide Funding Fee (NIC), the Ministry of Labour (MOL), Ministry of Mines and Power, amongst others.
The listening to, which was performed by the Senate Committees on Land, Mines, Power, Concession and Funding, and Methods, Means, Finance and Funds, seeks to solicit members of the IMCC’s views on the workings of ArcelorMittal Liberia within the Nation and the importance of the third Mineral Improvement Settlement.
The Third Modification considerations the Mineral Improvement Settlement between the Authorities of Liberia, ArcelorMittal Holdings AG, ArcelorMittal USA Liberia Holdings LLC, and ArcelorMittal Liberia Restricted, with the latter serving because the working firm.
In his communication, President Boakai reminded the Legislature that the unique MDA was entered into on August 17, 2005, ratified by the Legislature, signed by the President, and printed into handbills. The Settlement was subsequently amended on December 28, 2006, and January 23, 2013.
Following in depth negotiations and consultations, the President knowledgeable lawmakers that the events agreed to additional amend sure provisions of the MDA. The Third Modification, signed on December 20, 2025, restates the Settlement in its entirety, consolidating all prior amendments right into a single, totally amended doc.
In accordance with the Liberian chief, key Options and Strategic Advantages of the Third Modification embody:
Railroad System Working Ideas (RSOP): The Authorities of Liberia is granted the proper to ascertain a multi-user rail regime underneath a brand new RSOP framework, guaranteeing non-discriminatory entry to the Yekepa–Buchanan rail hall. The framework supplies for a transition to an impartial, government-regulated rail authority by 2030, in line with Liberia’s long-term nationwide rail imaginative and prescient.
Secondly, Extension of Settlement Time period:
The period of the MDA is prolonged to December 20, 2050, with an choice for renewal.
Thirdly, Enlargement of Manufacturing Capability: ArcelorMittal Liberia commits to growing manufacturing capability from 15 million moist metric tons each year (MWMTPA) by 2027, to twenty MWMTPA by 2031, and as much as 30 MWMTPA thereafter.
Fourthly, Upfront Fee: Upon ratification, ArcelorMittal Liberia will make an upfront cost of US$200 million to the Authorities of Liberia and an elevated mining license payment:
The annual mining license payment will improve from US$50,000 to US$500,000.
On Neighborhood Improvement Initiatives:
ArcelorMittal Liberia will contribute US$5 million yearly to a Neighborhood Improvement Fund (CDF) to help socioeconomic improvement inside the concession areas. The corporate will even submit a Social Infrastructure Plan protecting Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties, together with the rehabilitation of the KM 2.5 Bridge linking Buchanan Metropolis Heart to the concession loop.
o Paving of the concession street over the KM 2.5 Bridge to Tubman Road in Buchanan.
Rehabilitation of the St. John River Street Bridge connecting Bong and Grand Bassa Counties; Institution of a Vocational Coaching Heart (VTC) in Buchanan; Continued housing rehabilitation, training, and employment applications.
Delays in implementation will entice penalties starting from US$250,000 to US$500,000 yearly in further CDF contributions. Employment and Secondment of Liberians: The Settlement ensures elevated participation of certified Liberians, together with: 50% of administration positions by the third anniversary; One in all 4 concessionaire officers by the primary anniversary; 75% {of professional}, administrative, and technical positions by the fifth anniversary; and
o 90% by the tenth anniversary, topic to Liberia’s Labor Practices Regulation.
Native Procurement and Workforce Coaching: ArcelorMittal Liberia will prioritize native procurement of products and providers throughout its mining, rail, and port operations. Schooling and Expertise Coaching: An annual contribution of US$500,000 will help training and expertise coaching applications.
