ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) vehemently refutes the allegations published in the Daily Observer’s April 10, 2025 edition, which accused the company of defying the Liberian government. The article mischaracterizes AML’s actions concerning access to rail infrastructure and Ivanhoe Atlantic’s proposed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) within AML’s concession area. AML asserts its commitment to adhering to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and engaging constructively with the Liberian government. The company emphasizes that it has not defied the government but acted in accordance with its contractual rights under the MDA.
The core issue revolves around Ivanhoe Atlantic’s request to access AML’s Tokadeh mining area for its ESIA. AML clarifies that its denial of access was not an act of defiance but rather a legal necessity based on the existing MDA, which does not permit unauthorized third-party access to active mining zones. Furthermore, the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s request for cooperation was received just one day before the scheduled ESIA commencement, leaving insufficient time for AML to process and respond adequately. The Daily Observer’s omission of this crucial timeline creates a false impression of AML’s non-compliance.
Contrary to the article’s claims, AML has consistently supported the development of a multi-user rail system in Liberia. The company maintains that such initiatives should be implemented through established legal frameworks that respect both the MDA and the government’s policy direction. AML’s refusal to grant immediate access to its active mining area should not be conflated with opposition to the broader multi-user rail concept. AML reiterated its position in a formal response to the Ministry of Mines & Energy on March 21, 2025, outlining the legal basis for its decision and reaffirming its commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Furthermore, AML points to a letter from the National Investment Commission dated March 14, 2025, which acknowledged AML’s concerns and affirmed its legal standing under the MDA. The commission confirmed that the matter was under review by the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee, highlighting the ongoing dialogue and process of resolving these issues. This contradicts the Daily Observer’s portrayal of AML acting unilaterally and in defiance of the government. The article omitted these crucial pieces of information, thereby misrepresenting the situation.
The company challenges the Daily Observer’s biased reporting, which relies on anonymous sources and speculation while ignoring documented evidence provided by AML and the government. The use of inflammatory language, such as characterizing AML as a “State within a State,” further undermines the article’s objectivity. AML argues that such rhetoric serves only to escalate tension and obstruct productive dialogue on this complex issue. The company insists it has cooperated with Ivanhoe’s ESIA team, allowing access to areas outside its sensitive operational zones, including Buchanan, the rail corridor, and near border areas.
AML formally requests a public correction from the Daily Observer, urging the newspaper to publish a clarification with equal prominence in its next edition. The company reiterates its commitment to Liberia as a major foreign investor, employer, and contributor to national revenue. AML emphasizes its ongoing support for infrastructure sharing and lawful collaboration with the Liberian government, provided such collaborations are implemented through structured, transparent, and legally sound processes. The company calls for fact-based reporting and adherence to established legal frameworks, emphasizing mutual respect as the foundation of successful partnerships.
