Liberia: AML Reaffirms Support to Liberia’s Future, Says Country Ready for Global Mining Boom

Unification Town, Margibi County— ArcelorMittal Liberia, one of the country’s largest investors in the mining sector, has reaffirmed its commitment to Liberia’s development agenda, highlighting its investments in iron ore production, railway infrastructure, and industrial expansion as key drivers of economic growth.

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By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway

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The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Michiel van der Merwe, said ArcelorMittal Liberia is helping position the country as a strategic supplier of premium iron ore to global markets while creating opportunities for industrial development and long-term economic growth.

Speaking at the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference and Expo (LIMEC), held at the Farmington Hotel, van der Merwe stated that Liberia has the mineral resources, strategic location, and investment potential needed to compete in the global mining and energy sectors.

The conference marks the return of a major mining and energy gathering in Liberia after approximately 15 years.

Mining and Energy as Drivers of Economic Growth

Van der Merwe told the gathering that the future of Liberia’s economic growth depends partly on the country’s ability to capitalize on its natural resources while building strong partnerships among government, investors, industry players, and local communities.

He noted that countries capable of providing stable investment conditions, strong partnerships, and high-quality mineral resources are better positioned to attract investment and compete in international markets.

According to him, Liberia possesses many of these advantages but must strengthen collaboration and demonstrate sustained commitment to translate its potential into lasting prosperity for its citizens.

He also emphasized the importance of developing Liberian talent, saying investments in human capital would help ensure that future generations can lead and sustain the industries being established today.

Phase II Expansion Positions AML for Growth

Van der Merwe explained that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s experience demonstrates the benefits of long-term partnerships built on trust, commitment, and a shared development vision.

He pointed to the company’s Phase II Expansion Project as evidence of its long-term commitment to Liberia, describing the investment as a major transformation of the country’s iron ore industry.

He recounted that the commissioning of Liberia’s first large-scale iron ore concentrator represents a significant milestone for both the company and the country.

“It enables Liberia to move higher up the value chain by producing premium iron ore concentrate for international markets for current steel mills as well as the next generation of steel mills with lower carbon emissions technology.”

For him, the project demonstrates Liberia’s ability to attract and execute large-scale industrial investments capable of creating jobs, building local capacity, and strengthening national infrastructure.

US$800 Million Invested in Railway and Port Infrastructure

Beyond its investment in the concentrator, the AML chief threw light on the rehabilitation and expansion of the railway linking the company’s mining operations at Tokadeh to the Port of Buchanan.

Although the railway and port facilities are government-owned assets, van der Merwe maintains that ArcelorMittal has invested approximately US$800 million to date in rehabilitating the railway and expanding its capacity to accommodate the company’s planned growth.

He described the railway as critical infrastructure for supporting future mining operations and creating opportunities for other investors to transport minerals through the corridor.

The company’s investment, he asserted, has laid the groundwork for a multiuser railway system intended to support broader mining development in Liberia.

AML Targets More Than 20 Million Tons in 2027

Van der Merwe revealed that ArcelorMittal Liberia is preparing to increase its iron ore exports to more than 20 million tons in 2027, up from less than five million tons exported in 2024.

The projected increase follows the introduction of the company’s new concentrator and the expansion of supporting infrastructure.

“That’s a quadrupling of tonnage exported from Liberia,” he declared.

He added that the company is also planning to increase production capacity at its mines to 30 million tons, noting that the current railway expansion already accommodates this anticipated growth and could allow other users to access surplus capacity in the interim.

The planned expansion is expected to strengthen Liberia’s position in the international iron ore market while increasing demand for supporting services and infrastructure.

Government Reaffirms Multiuser Railway Commitment

Van der Merwe reiterated ArcelorMittal Liberia’s commitment to working with the Government of Liberia to ensure that the Tokadeh-to-Buchanan railway remains accessible to other mining companies.

He indicated that the company supports the position maintained by successive presidential administrations that the railway should operate as a multiuser asset, allowing other investors to benefit from the infrastructure.

The Third Amendment to the company’s Mineral Development Agreement, ratified earlier this year, provides for the railway to be open to other users, with the Government of Liberia determining which additional companies may access the corridor.

He told the gathering that prospective users would be responsible for financing their own expansion requirements, while benefiting from the foundational investments already made by ArcelorMittal Liberia.

“The recent Third Amendment to our Mineral Development Agreement, that was ratified earlier this year ensures that this is a railway open to all users, with the Government of Liberia deciding who else can utilize this infrastructure.”

Van der Merwe further disclosed that the operating framework for the multiuser railway, discussed by three successive administrations over the past decade, is being formalized through the Rail Systems Operating Principles (RSOP).

He accentuated that the principles provide for the railway to be operated by an independent company beginning in 2030.

Calls for Independent Railway Operator

The AML chief called for the establishment of an independent railway operator, describing the move as an important step toward transforming Liberia’s economy and expanding access to critical infrastructure.

He intoned that the cooperation among the government, investors, and industry could create the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth.

“More importantly, it lays the foundation for a truly shared infrastructure platform that can unlock new mining opportunities, attract further investment, and accelerate national development,” van der Merwe said.

He added that the vision of shared infrastructure and prosperity extends beyond mining and rail transportation, requiring a collective commitment to national development.

Van der Merwe also disclosed that ArcelorMittal Liberia is in agreement with the government on the establishment of a National Rail Authority that would eventually oversee the development and management of additional railway corridors across the country.

The AML CEO clarified that the company wants the operating principles governing the Tokadeh-to-Buchanan railway to be recognized when the proposed authority is established.

AML Pledges Long-Term Partnership

, van der Merwe informed the conference that Liberia’s development ambitions could not be achieved by any single company, government institution, or investor acting alone.

At the same time, he is of the conviction that sustained cooperation could help create an environment in which investment flourishes, industries expand, and communities benefit from economic opportunities.

“ArcelorMittal Liberia remains committed to playing its part in that journey. We’ve played this part for the last twenty years and we are ready to do so for another forty years or more.”