Liberia:  Affected Communities in ArcelorMittal Operations Express Frustrations and Disappointment

Yekepa, Nimba County- The three most affected counties by ArcelorMittal’s operations—Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa—have expressed their dissatisfaction with the mining company’s activities in their communities. Operating under the banner of “Aggrieved Communities Affected by ArcelorMittal’s Operations,” they gathered in Yekepa, Nimba County, to voice their concerns.

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By Franklin Doloquee, Nimba County

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This significant gathering marked the first large-scale expression of frustration regarding the impact of ArcelorMittal’s work in these regions.

Addressing reporters in Yekepa, community leader and Project Animator for Green Advocates International, Sam Yeadieh, highlighted several issues. He stated that ArcelorMittal’s operations have had no positive impact on the lives of affected community members. Instead, they face numerous problems, including land dispossession, destruction of livelihoods, poor living conditions, and pollution of air and water. The loud noises from blasting and train operations are also significant disturbances.

Yeadieh lamented that citizens from the three affected counties live in fear due to ongoing security harassment, with state security forces using excessive force during conflicts between the mining company and communities. He emphasized that these communities are not criminals but rely on their land and natural resources for their livelihood.

“Today is one of the first times that we have come together as affected communities to express our common frustration over the impact of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s work. Sadly, this great day comes at a very dark period in our lives,” he said. “Our land is being taken, our livelihoods destroyed, and our homes are falling due to the vibrations from mine blasting and train movements. Our air and water are polluted, and we live in constant shock from the noise of blasting and train horns. Despite being closest to ArcelorMittal’s operations, we live in deplorable conditions with little to no access to healthcare, sanitation, or economic opportunities.”

Dada Konkah, a resident of Gbapa Town in District Number 3, Nimba County, expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate information from ArcelorMittal regarding blasting schedules. This has led to the destruction of homes and farmlands. Evelyn Saye and Abel Nyanamah from Lugbeyee Town accused the company of contaminating rivers and streams used for drinking water and fishing.

“We are not satisfied; our crops are destroyed without prior notice and inadequate compensation. The grievance and payment processes take over a year, and many grievances go unaddressed. We are not considered relevant in decisions regarding the County Development Fund,” they stated.

Alphanso G. Nya Garteh, Nohn Nya from Lugbeyee Town, Yorh Brown, Women’s Chairlady from Zolowee Town, and Marie Moore, all from Nimba County, joined the group in expressing their frustrations. They criticized the selection of contractors for projects without community involvement or knowledge, and the incomplete projects supported by the County Development Fund.

“We are living in constant fear of security harassment and criminalization. State security uses excessive force against our people. We are indigenous people who depend on the land and forest for our sustenance,” lamented Matthew B. Dolo and Moses Tokpah from Bong County.

The communities called on ArcelorMittal to address their demands, including engaging in dialogue with affected communities, addressing noise, water, and air pollution issues, reviewing the grievance mechanism, and developing a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) policy to manage information about its operations.

The aggrieved communities presented a symbolic Olympic Torch with black smoke to draw attention to ArcelorMittal’s social and environmental practices in Liberia. They urged the company to be a true champion in protecting people and the environment, especially local communities and their livelihoods.

The affected communities emphasized the need for ArcelorMittal’s operations to produce sustainable steel in Liberia and create value for all stakeholders, particularly vulnerable communities in the areas of its operations.