Kleber Silva, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining, recently revisited Liberia, underscoring the company’s commitment to safety and the future of its Liberian workforce. His visit, timed with ArcelorMittal Liberia’s annual Health and Safety Day, follows close on the heels of the company’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, which included the recruitment of over 230 young Liberians, further solidifying ArcelorMittal’s commitment to local employment and skills development. Silva’s presence is often a harbinger of significant developments, particularly concerning the company’s ambitious Phase II expansion project. This multi-billion dollar undertaking involves the construction of Liberia’s first ore concentrator, expansion of rail and port infrastructure, and the creation of thousands of jobs, solidifying ArcelorMittal’s position as Liberia’s largest private sector employer. The company’s workforce, comprising over 98% Liberians, currently exceeds 7,000 employees.
Silva’s recent visit, however, transcended mere operational updates. His central message resonated with a powerful call for enhanced safety consciousness, personal responsibility, and collective accountability. Addressing workers in Yekepa, he emphasized the paramount importance of a “mine of safety,” where proactive measures and continuous improvement are the norm. Drawing from his extensive experience in the mining industry, including leadership roles at Vale and Anglo America, Silva has consistently championed the integration of safety and sustainability into large-scale mining operations. His message in Liberia reflected this deep-seated commitment to the well-being of workers and the communities in which ArcelorMittal operates.
Silva’s commitment to safety is not merely rhetorical. He cited ArcelorMittal’s Tarso Amitar site, which boasts a remarkable 34-year record without a lost-time accident, as a benchmark for Liberia to emulate. He expressed unwavering confidence in Liberia’s ability to achieve similar success, emphasizing the shared responsibility of every employee in fostering a safe work environment. With over 10,000 individuals working across the company’s diverse operations in Liberia, encompassing mining, rail, and port facilities, the collective commitment to safety is crucial. Silva stressed that this commitment extends beyond the workplace, permeating every aspect of life, including the home environment.
Silva’s message resonates with the broader context of ArcelorMittal’s transformative phase in Liberia. His dual emphasis on growth and safety underscores the company’s holistic vision, which integrates operational expansion with local development, skills transfer, and a long-term partnership with Liberia. This vision aims to create a world-class mining operation that not only contributes to economic growth but also prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and the surrounding communities. Silva’s visit serves as a potent reminder that ArcelorMittal’s success is not solely defined by production output, but by its positive impact on the lives it touches.
The Phase Two Expansion Project exemplifies ArcelorMittal’s commitment to Liberia. This significant investment, exceeding $3 billion, is not just about expanding production capacity but also about fostering sustainable development. The project has already generated more than 3,000 new jobs and promises to increase tax revenues, royalties, and county social development funds. Furthermore, it provides critical skills training opportunities, both locally and internationally, further empowering the Liberian workforce. This commitment to development, coupled with the ongoing negotiations regarding the 3rd Amended Mineral Development Agreement, positions ArcelorMittal as a key partner in Liberia’s long-term economic growth.
Silva’s leadership underscores ArcelorMittal’s commitment to a future where operational excellence and unwavering dedication to safety go hand in hand. His visit serves as a powerful reminder that the company’s success is intrinsically linked to the well-being of its employees and the prosperity of the communities it serves. This commitment to shared responsibility and continuous improvement reinforces ArcelorMittal’s position not only as a major investor but also as a valued partner in Liberia’s ongoing development. The company’s vision extends beyond mere economic growth, encompassing a broader commitment to sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of its workforce and the surrounding communities.
