MONROVIA, LIBERIA – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is celebrating 20 years of operations in Liberia with a major milestone—the launch of its over $2 billion Phase II Expansion Project. The company’s investment is set to significantly boost iron ore production, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen Liberia’s economic landscape.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected] and Edwin Genoway, [email protected]
The expansion will increase production from 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with 75% of the output being a blended product. As part of this initiative, the company has announced that it is making substantial infrastructure upgrades, including a $800 million investment into the country’s heavy-haul railway system.
At the event marking ArcelorMittal Liberia’s 20-year anniversary at the Invincible Park in Monrovia over the weekend, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Michiel Van Der Merwe announced that 2025 will be a pivotal year for the company operations in Liberia, with a heightened focus on expanding its operations.
“We’ve been here for many years. We feel comfortable to be in Liberia; we feel Liberian, if I can say that,” he said.
Transforming Liberia’s Mining Sector
AML’s 20-year presence in Liberia has played a vital role in the country’s mining industry, positioning the nation as a key global supplier of iron ore. The company remains committed to responsible mining practices, community development, and capacity building.
“Our mining business is crucial to our growth and decarbonization strategy,” AML management stated. “Operations in Liberia provide high-quality iron ore for ArcelorMittal’s steel plants and global markets, ensuring supply security and operational excellence.”
A major part of ArcelorMittal’s 2025 plans includes the commissioning of a concentrator, a key infrastructure project necessary for achieving a return on investments made over the past two decades.
Van Der Merwe also mentioned the company’s ambitious goal to transport 20 million tons of iron ore per year, which will require optimizing the railway from Yekepa to Buchanan.
He stressed the importance of maintaining the railway’s infrastructure to ensure smooth transportation of iron ore.
Looking ahead, Van Der Merwe hinted at further expansion, with details to be shared in the future. He also reflected on the company’s Phase Two Expansion, which includes upgrading mining operations, the concentrator, and both the Buchanan-Yekepa railway and Buchanan port facilities.
Van Der Merwe said ArcelorMittal has already invested $800 million to enhance the railway infrastructure, including replacing rails and sleepers, to improve transportation efficiency.
“The expansion is expected to create over 5,000 jobs during construction and 1,200 permanent positions for Liberians once completed”.
ArcelorMittal Liberia, which was established in 2005, has been a key player in revitalizing the country’s mining sector post-conflict.
The company has invested heavily in restoring critical infrastructure, including the Buchanan-Yekepa railway, which was damaged during Liberia’s civil war, He told the media after the program.
He said these efforts have helped position Liberia as a major player in the regional iron ore industry.
In June 2024, Michiel Van Der Merwe was appointed CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia. With more than 25 years of experience in the mining industry, Van Der Merwe has held senior positions at AngloGold Ashanti and brings valuable expertise to the company.
Under his leadership, ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to invest in the country’s future, including the construction of a modern iron ore processing plant in Zolowee Town, Nimba County, which will add value to Liberia’s iron ore before export.
He disclosed that the expansion is expected to boost Liberia’s position in global markets and create more jobs, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Beyond infrastructure, Merwe said ArcelorMittal Liberia has been active in supporting local communities through educational scholarships and festive celebrations, reinforcing its commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Economic and Employment Impact
AML’s investment is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including 1,000 new permanent positions, 2,000 short-term construction jobs, more than 5,300 indirect jobs and increase in government revenue from $35M to $75M annually
As Liberia’s largest private-sector employer, AML currently provides over 2,100 direct jobs and has invested $2.5 billion into Liberia to date.
Railway Expansion and Multi-User System
A key component of the expansion is the modernization of Liberia’s 243-kilometer heavy-haul railway, built to U.S. standards. The railway will be expanded to accommodate five ore wagon trains daily, each carrying 120 wagons. Enhancements include full replacement of wooden sleepers with steel sleepers, upgraded rail control system, nine new GE locomotives and 500 additional wagons and ew sidings, level crossings, and expanded Buchanan yard.
AML has also agreed to the Government of Liberia’s (GoL) proposed Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) to ensure transparent, non-discriminatory rail operatorship. The new Multi-User Principles take immediate effect, with a newly established Rail Authority overseeing operations.
“The user-operator structure proposed in the Third Amendment aligns with global best practices and has been successful in major mining jurisdictions like Australia, Brazil, and Canada,” AML stated.
Investing in Liberia’s Future
AML has placed a strong emphasis on education, skills training, and workforce development. Its Vocational Training Centre (VTC) covers $7M investment in infrastructure rehabilitation and is 100% tuition-free. Beneficiaries are awarded 3-year internationally recognized certificates; while about 100 graduates are absorbed into the AML workforce.
The company also offers the Community Scholarship Program; targeting 12th graders and public college students.
For the AML School System, over 1,000 Liberian children enrolled in primary and secondary education in Yekepa.
On its Young Professionals Program (YPP), 30+ university students have completed internships and nearly all are absorbed into AML’s workforce; while 99+ foreign advanced scholarships are offered for graduate studies in geosciences and engineering.
A Journey of Resilience and Growth
AML’s Phase II Expansion is one of the largest mining projects in Africa, setting a new benchmark for large-scale, responsible mining in West Africa.
With the first shipment of iron ore under the expansion set to leave Buchanan in 2025, AML remains committed to fostering economic growth, job creation, and long-term sustainable development in Liberia.