Buchanan – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has reiterated its commitment to supporting the Government of Liberia’s (GoL) plan for a fully functional, multi-user rail system along the Buchanan Corridor.
The company clarified that it has never opposed third-party access to the railway but has instead worked closely with the government to ensure a fair, transparent, and efficient operational framework that benefits all stakeholders while maintaining the railway’s integrity.
Long-Standing Support for Multi-User Access
Speaking during a recent media tour at AML’s facilities in Buchanan, AML’s Head of Rail, Marco Marinda, stated that the company has always supported shared rail infrastructure. He pointed out that AML agreed to multi-user principles as early as 2006, when the First Amendment to its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) was negotiated and later ratified in 2007.
Since then, the company has remained engaged in discussions with the government and potential third-party users to facilitate access. However, despite AML’s openness, third-party rail usage has yet to materialize due to factors beyond AML’s control.
“To date, only two external entities—both from Guinea—have formally expressed interest in using the rail: Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG, now owned by HPX) and Sable Mining,” Marinda said. “No Liberian mining company has ever requested access to the rail system.”
Global Best Practices and Regulatory Framework
AML has fully endorsed the Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) suggested by the Government of Liberia (Gol) which ensures transparent and non-discriminatory rail operations, adequate protection for third-party users and the GoL, immediate implementation of the new multi-user principles.
The newly established Rail Authority will oversee compliance, operational standards, and infrastructure inspections. AML has welcomed this oversight, emphasizing that it aligns with global best practices in major mining jurisdictions like Australia, Brazil, and Canada.
Why Multi-User Access Has Not Materialized
While AML has remained open to third-party usage, historical events have hindered progress. Marinda outlined key developments that affected access. Among the BHP-SMFG Deal (2010-2013) – BHP, which controlled SMFG at the time, entered discussions with AML on a joint venture, but the deal collapsed due to valuation disagreements. Later, an acquisition deal between AML and BHP was blocked by the Guinean government, which favored the construction of the Trans-Guinean Railway instead.
Sable Mining’s Request (2013-2015) –
Marinda recounted that Sable Mining expressed interest in AML’s rail but later proposed selling ore at the Liberia-Guinea border rather than investing in transport infrastructure. External factors such as the Ebola outbreak, falling commodity prices, and corruption scandals further derailed Sable’s plans.
The Guinea-Liberia Agreement (2019) – An agreement between the two governments permitted limited ore transportation through Liberia, capping transit at 5 million tonnes per annum, restricting broader multi-user access.
Marinda emphasized that these events demonstrate that the delay in third-party rail access was not due to AML’s opposition but rather economic downturns, political decisions, and business challenges faced by potential users.
Looking Ahead
With the new multi-user framework taking immediate effect, AML remains committed to facilitating fair access under GoL regulations. The company views the railway as a critical national asset that can drive Liberia’s economic growth.
“As discussions continue, AML remains a reliable partner, working within globally recognized frameworks to ensure efficient and sustainable mining logistics,” Marinda stated.
He was joined by Mulbah Gbozee, AML’s Rail Maintenance Manager, and Edwin Tokpa, Rail Operations Manager, during the tour with two dozen journalists.
