Residents of Liagbala, a fenceline community located near ArcelorMittal Liberia’s mining concession in Nimba County, have commended the company for its continued support to local development through housing, employment and agricultural initiatives.
The recognition came during a high-level visit to the community by ArcelorMittal Global CEO for Mining Kleber Silva and ArcelorMittal Liberia CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe.
One of the initiatives highlighted by community members is a housing project that began in 2024 as a local effort to generate income for development activities.
The community initially constructed housing units using locally available materials and resources. The facilities were later used to accommodate Process Operator Learners recruited by AML, creating an income stream for the town.
After the company identified the need to improve the structures to meet operational requirements, community leaders approached AML Chief Executive Officer Michiel Van Der Merwe.
Following discussions with the community, the CEO approved the transformation of the facilities into accommodation for company expatriates.
Under the resulting lease arrangement, AML makes monthly rental payments directly to the town, providing a source of income that can be used to support community development.
The arrangement has also created employment opportunities for residents. AML’s facility contractor, STELO, employs people from Liagbala as housekeepers, cooks and security personnel.
Liagbala Town Chief Okara Gono said the partnership with AML has provided the community with opportunities to generate income while supporting local development.
“AML’s support has continued to empower the community and residents through funds for development, training, and personal income,” Chief Gono said.
He also praised AML for maintaining regular engagement with residents and supporting initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods.
“AML continues to interact closely with locals and put in place initiatives that improve livelihoods,” he said.
During the engagement, AML CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe urged residents to build on the opportunities created through agriculture by increasing local food production.
He encouraged farmers in Liagbala to expand crop cultivation and supply vegetables and other produce to ATS, AML’s catering contractor.
Van Der Merwe said increasing local agricultural production would allow more money generated through the company’s operations to remain within local communities.
The company has also provided agricultural production tools to farmers as part of its broader sustainability and community development efforts.
The agricultural initiative, implemented through the Nimba based Rural Integrated Center for Community Empowerment (RICCE), supports vegetable farming while contributing to local food security.
AML has so far provided funding for community-led initiatives aimed at strengthening livelihoods and creating opportunities for residents.
“We don’t want to take our food from somewhere else; we want to produce our own food right here in Liberia so that the money can come back into the pockets of our people,” Van Der Merwe said.
“Let’s not be dependent on something else from somewhere else. Let’s build our future with our own hands, in our own soil.”
The call for greater local production formed part of a broader message of partnership between AML and communities located around its mining operations.
Global Mining CEO Kleber Silva also praised Liagbala for maintaining a peaceful relationship with the company and reaffirmed ArcelorMittal’s long-term commitment to communities hosting its operations in Nimba County.
“If we work together, we construct this every single day,” Silva told residents.
“Together, we are building the Liberia of the future, laying the foundation for long term prosperity and creating an environment where our people and communities thrive.”
The Liagbala engagement highlighted the range of ways community partnerships around AML’s operations are being used to create income, employment and agricultural opportunities for residents.
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