ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to developing Liberian professionals into world-class mining leaders following the successful completion of an advanced international Drill & Blast training program by five of its senior Liberian mining superintendents in Brazil.
According to a release, the specialized technical program was held at ArcelorMittal’s Serra Azul Mine in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where mining professionals from various ArcelorMittal operations around the world gathered to exchange knowledge and strengthen expertise in modern mining techniques, operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and safety management.
The training exposed participants to internationally recognized best practices in drill and blast engineering, including blast design optimization, fragmentation control, ground vibration monitoring, powder factor management, explosives performance, environmental impact mitigation, and community safety. Participants also received practical, field-based instruction on improving productivity while ensuring responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The Liberian delegation consisted of five experienced operational leaders from AML’s Mines Department including Hamilton S.S. Kamara – Superintendent, ROM & Stockpile Management, Solo B. Gbayor – Superintendent, Mines, Ferrison Saye Andrews – Superintendent, Production, Theresa Mamie Nuah Koah – Superintendent, Pit and Toney Bazee Kamara – Superintendent, Drill & Blast.
Their participation reflects ArcelorMittal Liberia’s broader strategy of continuously investing in Liberian professionals by providing access to international technical training, leadership development, and global knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Building World-Class Liberian Mining Leaders
For more than a decade, ArcelorMittal Liberia has consistently prioritized the training and professional development of Liberian employees as part of its commitment to local capacity building. Through scholarships, vocational education, graduate development programs, international exchanges, technical certifications, leadership courses, and specialized overseas training, the company continues to prepare Liberians to occupy increasingly strategic positions across its operations.
The Brazil program represents another milestone in AML’s long-term vision of creating a highly skilled Liberian workforce capable of managing complex mining operations that meet international standards.
Rather than relying indefinitely on expatriate expertise, the company continues to build a pipeline of competent Liberian engineers, geologists, mine planners, production supervisors, and operational managers who can lead modern mining activities safely, efficiently, and responsibly.
This investment is particularly significant as Liberia’s mining industry continues to expand and demands a new generation of technically competent local professionals capable of leading large-scale industrial operations.
Preparing Liberia for the Future of Mining
Speaking following the completion of the program, AML General Manager Selmah Jallah emphasized that exposure to global mining operations is essential for developing the next generation of Liberian mining professionals.
“Liberia’s growing position as a key mining destination requires highly skilled professionals who can operate responsibly while protecting the environment,” Selmah said.
“International development opportunities are essential in preparing Liberian employees for future leadership roles as our mining sector increasingly relies on local talent and expertise.”
She noted that world-class mining is no longer defined solely by production volumes but also by operational safety, environmental responsibility, technological innovation, and strong leadership.
According to Selmah, every international training opportunity strengthens Liberia’s own mining capacity by allowing Liberian professionals to bring home globally tested knowledge and practical experience that can be applied across AML’s operations.
She further commended the five superintendents for their professionalism, discipline, and commitment throughout the program while encouraging all employees to continue demonstrating accountability, integrity, and compliance with company policies.
“Leadership is earned through consistent performance, professionalism, and continuous learning,” she added.
A Culture of Continuous Learning
The training also highlights AML’s philosophy that learning does not end with technical competence but continues throughout an employee’s career.
Production Superintendent Ferrison Saye Andrews described the Brazil program as another important milestone in his professional journey.
Andrews previously benefited from the AML Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) Scholarship Program in 2022, which enabled him to obtain a master’s degree before returning to Liberia to continue contributing to the company’s mining operations.
He said the opportunity to learn alongside mining professionals from different countries broadened his understanding of modern mining techniques and reinforced the importance of continuous professional development.
Similarly, Mines Superintendent Solo B. Gbayor described representing Liberia among mining experts from across the global ArcelorMittal Group as both an honor and an invaluable learning experience.
He noted that interacting with international specialists exposed the Liberian delegation to innovative operational approaches that will help improve safety, efficiency, and productivity within AML’s mines.
The other members of the delegation echoed similar sentiments, expressing appreciation to the company’s management for investing in their careers and providing opportunities to gain practical knowledge from one of the world’s leading mining organizations.
Investing in Liberian Talent
The Brazil exchange forms part of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s broader human capital development agenda, which continues to prioritize Liberians for technical and leadership advancement.
Over the years, the company has sponsored numerous employees for master’s degree programs, specialized mining certifications, engineering training, equipment operation courses, vocational education, leadership development initiatives, and international technical exchanges across multiple countries.
These investments have steadily increased the number of Liberians occupying senior operational and management positions within the company.
By transferring global technical expertise to local professionals, AML is helping develop a workforce capable of managing increasingly sophisticated mining operations while supporting Liberia’s long-term economic development.
As the company continues implementing major expansion projects, the demand for highly skilled Liberian professionals will continue to grow. Programs such as the Brazil Drill & Blast training demonstrate AML’s determination to ensure that Liberians are not merely participants in the country’s mining industry but are equipped to become internationally competitive professionals and world-class mining leaders.
The successful completion of the advanced Drill & Blast program therefore represents more than an individual achievement for the five superintendents. It reflects ArcelorMittal Liberia’s enduring commitment to empowering Liberian talent, strengthening national capacity, and creating a future where Liberians lead every aspect of modern mining—from the pit to the boardroom.
