ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), a subsidiary of the global steel giant ArcelorMittal, marked its 20th anniversary in Liberia with a grand celebration in Nimba County, one of its host communities. The event, held at the EB Football Field in Yekepa, featured a vibrant parade, speeches, cultural performances, and reflections on the company’s two-decade journey in the country. AML CEO, Michael Vandermerwe, used the platform to announce ambitious expansion plans, highlighting the company’s growth trajectory and its commitment to Liberia’s economic development. He underscored a significant production milestone, revealing the recent sale of 2.04 million tons of salable products, the largest quarterly achievement in AML’s history in Liberia. This success, he emphasized, foreshadows greater benefits for the country and its people.
Central to AML’s expansion strategy is the increase in iron ore production from the current level of 3-5 million tons annually to an ambitious target of 15 million tons per year. Vandermerwe emphasized the company’s commitment to shared prosperity, assuring communities in Bong, Grand Bassa, and Nimba counties, as well as the entire nation, of increased benefits resulting from this growth. He emphasized that the country’s rich mineral resources guarantees long-term prosperity, and AML is positioned to harness these for generations to come – creating a lasting legacy for the current workforce and their future descendants. The imminent commissioning of the Phase 2 concentrator, a key component of AML’s expansion plan, is expected to further boost production and accelerate the company’s growth trajectory.
Beyond its production goals, AML has prioritized job creation and skills development in Liberia. Vandermerwe highlighted the establishment of one of the country’s largest technical training centers and the recent launch of a career program for artisans and process operators. These initiatives underscore AML’s commitment to empowering the Liberian workforce and fostering sustainable development. The company recognizes the importance of investing in human capital, ensuring that Liberians are equipped with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the mining sector and the broader economy. This emphasis on skills development aligns with the company’s long-term vision of creating a skilled and sustainable workforce for the Liberian mining industry.
The anniversary celebration also provided a platform for government officials, community leaders, and employees to express their views on AML’s operations and its impact on the country. The National Bureau of Concessions (NBC) reaffirmed its support for AML, particularly as it embarks on Phase 2 of its expansion project, and pledged to monitor regulatory compliance within the Mineral Development Agreement. The Ministry of Labor, while acknowledging AML’s compliance with labor laws, urged the company to ensure its subcontractors uphold the same standards. Representatives from Nimba County expressed appreciation for AML’s economic contributions, emphasizing the need for tangible benefits to be felt by the local communities in tandem with increased production. Local chiefs and elders echoed these sentiments, urging the company to fulfill its promises of community development projects, including the construction of town halls and provision of transportation.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s 20-year journey in Liberia has been a testament to its resilience and commitment. Entering the country just two years after the end of a devastating civil war, the company navigated numerous challenges, including the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global economic downturns. Despite these obstacles, AML persevered, investing over US$2.5 billion and creating over 7,600 jobs, directly and indirectly, demonstrating its long-term commitment to Liberia. As the first major private investor in post-conflict Liberia, AML played a crucial role in restoring investor confidence, attracting other companies, and contributing significantly to the country’s economic recovery.
AML’s transformative influence on Liberia’s mining sector extends beyond its direct economic contributions. The company has been a catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in the industry. Its significant investments in infrastructure, notably the reconstruction of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, have created essential linkages for the transportation of iron ore and facilitated broader economic activity. As the company looks to the future, its expansion plans, coupled with its commitment to community development and workforce training, position ArcelorMittal Liberia to remain a key driver of economic growth and development in Liberia. The 20th-anniversary celebration not only marked a milestone but also served as a reaffirmation of AML’s commitment to a shared future of progress and prosperity with Liberia.
