Monrovia – A FrontPageAfrica Investigation into the bid by HPX to bully President Boakai to access the railroad to ship Guinean iron ore to the Port of Buchanan raises question of bad faith, bullying, lack of capacity, misrepresentation on $5bn broken promises on Liberty Corridor and improper use of ties to the American government.

By Rodney D. Sieh, Rodney.sieh@frontpageafricaonline.com

HPX, a privately held American company that is developing the Nimba iron ore project in Liberia, unconnected to Ivanhoe Mines, a Toronto -listed mining company has sought to use the railroad operated by Arcelor Mittal to ship ores from its land locked iron ore mining project in Guinea. That effort has led to some nasty fighting between Arcelor Mittal and HPX, with certain government officials from all of Liberia’s postwar governments corralled in the impasse created by the infighting.

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has sought to break the impasse by signing Executive order number 136 breaking the monopoly of Arcelor Mittal by creating a National Rail Authority to administer the railroad for the benefit of Liberia’s investors in mining and Agriculture. The Executive order did not break the impasse. Instead, supporters within the government from both sides of the nasty fight have sought to use relations with President Boakai to advance the interests of the adversaries.

Recently, Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission announced that the Inter-Ministerial Concession Commission had voted to give Arcelor Mittal the continued unilateral rights to operate the railroad based on the existing agreement which will expire in 2030. But certain officials who are siding with Ivanhoe HPX within the Administration question the transparency and equity of the award. Currently there is no end in sight to the impasse and there is a meeting of the IMCC scheduled for May 6 following HPX Bronwyn Barnes volatile letter to the President.

Arcelor Mittal was granted a twenty-five-year concession agreement with the railroad and port from the old LAMCO concession as contribution of the Liberian government in what was to be joint venture with Arcelor Mittal’s stake at 70 percent and the Government of Liberia at 30 percent. For decades now, the railroad and port of Buchanan have been seen as the only financially viable option to ship ore from Simandou, Mt. Nimba and other ore bodies close to the Liberian border.

Building a railway from that part of Guinea to the port of Conakry was projected to cost billions of dollars and would make any iron ore project not viable. But times have changed, and the current Guinea government has begun to build a rail infrastructure to ship Guinean ore to a new port in Guinea.

An examination of the impasse shows that HPX may not be fully committed to its announced 5-billion-dollar Liberty Corridor. According to email exchanges in the possession of Frontpage Africa, Liberian government officials accuse HPX of bad faith, inability to raise monies for feasibility studies and outright rudeness to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Other communication between HPX officials indicates the company claims to have raised only five million dollars for the five-billion-dollar multi projects of rail, road, fibre, energy transmission and a new deep-sea port announced by HPX Robert Friedland and Guma Robert Gumede. Mining experts say that is paltry and an insult to Liberia as a proper feasibility study will cost over $100m.

HPX has only committed to invest $5m from the USA government before the USA Senate Foreign Relations threw out the HPX application based on the fact that it is not an asset that fits a anti-China critical minerals quest. It would require hundreds of millions of dollars to conduct bankable feasibility and environmental impact studies for a project this size.

Another essential element exposed by examination is the security of tenure of HPX to the Nimba Range project and whether the project is viable utilizing the railroad. Some experts believe HPX aim is to move its ore from Nimba currently stockpiled in Guinea and that would be the end of their association with Liberia since Guinea is building its own railroad to ship ore from Simandou – Nimba and other areas near the Liberian border. Thus, the only objective of HP X would be to ship its stockpiled ore sitting at the mines in Guinea and not to support the creation of sustainable jobs, linkages, and promotion of socioeconomic development through the investment and implementation of the multi infrastructure Liberty Corridor of Liberia.

There have been other developments that indicate the lack of good faith on the part of HPX. The US Senate blocked the Liberian National Railway Authority funding citing the project as a grandiose scam without evidence of American economic and security interests. HPX commonly uses its Canadian / American ties to intimidate Liberian government officials.

In another development, South African businessman Robert Gumede a partner in the HPX project is said to be having second thoughts about HPX commitment to the Liberian government and have communicated his feelings to higher ups in the government. Sources say Pan African entrepreneur Mr. Robert Gumede has secured over 3.5 billion dollars from the African Development Bank for the project and more financiers who have been lined up to participate in the project.

It has been confirmed that HPX Bronwyn Barnes and Robert Friedland were very angry that Gumede raised the $3.5b announced in Kenya by the AFDB President Adesina in April 2024 in the presence of Liberia Ministers Mamaka Bility, Hon. Prince Tamba and Hon. Morley Kamara. This historic development was announced during the AFDB annual conference following the AFDB Board decision.

Experts urge the Liberian government to continue its path of a multiuser rail, but there must be clear commitment from local mining and agriculture companies who will commit to use the rail. The government intend to honor its contract with AML because of the  investment made in the rail over the years. HPX intent to use Liberian rail temporarily, the government should get HPX not only to invest in the development of the Liberty Corridor by investing the seed capital that will cover 100% of the feasibility study.

HPX   commitment to continue to use the new Liberty Corridor for the life of their Guinea iron ore mine to move their products through the Corridor and deep seaport. Further, the government should engage directly with the government of Guinea and understand the long-term plan of the Guinean Government to engage the Liberty Corridor plan to export the Nimba Iron ore through the Liberty Corridor. President Boakai should engage directly with his Guinean counterpart Brother President Mamadi Doumbouya and not rely on HPX propaganda. Doing otherwise would risk the economic benefits of the vaunted Liberty Corridor.

Some diplomatic observers say, President Boakai’s ruling Unity Party government must be wary of repeating the hard and painful lessons learnt from the colonial bias agreements which have robbed and raped Liberia for almost 100 years by Firestone and other business conglomerates which contributed to failed socio-economic stand still and environmental negative impact.

For the foreseeable future, some say, the government should be keen to protect well-meaning investors and not transit users like Guinea-based companies concerned mainly with creating jobs in Guinea and not Liberia.

Monrovia – In a bold and unprecedented move, HPX—represented by Ivanhoe—has issued an ultimatum to the Government of Liberia. According to a January 2025 letter, if an Access Agreement is not signed by February 15, 2025, the company will invoke a default under the March 2022 Framework Agreement. This default, it is claimed, will oblige Liberia to pay US$37 million, compounded annually at a 10% interest rate. But behind this financial threat lie demands that are not only procedurally and substantively flawed, but they also undermine Liberia’s national interests, according to experts.

A Demand for 30 mtpa Rail Capacity Without a Clear Basis

One of the most contentious points in the Ivanhoe letter is the insistence that the Government guarantees 30 million tons per annum (mtpa) of rail capacity. This figure is particularly suspect given that the actual rail capacity has yet to be determined. It appears that HPX is trying to secure an enormous share of a resource that may not even exist in the required measure. Rather than ensuring a realistic and evidence-based assessment of rail capacity, HPX’s demand could lock Liberia into an unsustainable commitment.

Undermining the Role of a Proven Operator

Another glaring issue is HPX’s call to remove ArcelorMittal as the rail operator. ArcelorMittal, the longstanding and foundational investor in Liberia’s rail infrastructure, has operated the system for over 15 years and is currently moving Liberian iron ore efficiently. In contrast, HPX seeks to shift control to a new operator—one that is associated with a proposal to transport Guinean iron ore. This move not only disregards the decades of proven experience and investment by ArcelorMittal, but it also prioritizes the interests of a foreign investor over those of Liberia.

Legal and Environmental Oversights

Perhaps the most alarming aspect of HPX’s demands is the lack of proof that the new military government has granted it the right to transit Guinean iron ore through Liberia. The necessary feasibility and environmental approvals—especially critical given that the iron ore deposit is located in a World Heritage site—are conspicuously absent. This omission raises serious questions about the legality and prudence of the project. In contrast, Guinea’s interests should never be legally or ethically prioritized over Liberia’s national and economic interests.

An Illegal Agreement and a Call for Arbitration

Adding to the controversy is the shadow of the “Weah agreement” – an agreement that was signed without proper legislative ratification. Under Liberian law, this Framework agreement was effective a predatory loan agreement and it should have been ratified by the Legislature and should have gone through the normal public hearing. By attempting to leverage an unratified and arguably illegal agreement, HPX is forcing the Government into a corner. Instead of engaging in constructive negotiations that respect Liberia’s legal processes and public interest, HPX is threatening to invoke a default clause that triggers a punitive financial penalty. And accordingly, to the Framework Agreement, only HPX can invoke a default.

Now that the February 15 deadline has passed without an Access Agreement being executed, it is incumbent upon HPX to formally invoke the default provisions of the March 2022 Framework Agreement. If they truly believe in their contractual rights, the next logical step would be to take Liberia to arbitration—a process that will put the merits of this flawed and one-sided arrangement to the test. The arbitration should address not only the financial penalty but also the illegal nature of the unratified agreement and the unsustainable operational demands that HPX has imposed.

A Challenge to HPX

Liberia’s leadership and legal community should now challenge HPX: either proceed transparently by invoking the default and entering arbitration or withdraw these baseless threats that compromise Liberia’s sovereignty and economic future. Prioritizing the interests of a Guinean investor over those of Liberia is not only unsound policy—it is a direct affront to Liberia’s right to self-determination and sustainable development.

In this pivotal moment, Liberia must stand firm. The path forward is clear: enforce the contractual safeguards provided under the Framework Agreement, subject the dispute to impartial arbitration, and ensure that any agreement respects both the rule of law and the nation’s long-term interests.

The National Legislature should seek to conduct a public hearing the March 2022 Framework Agreement to determine whether it was compliant with Liberia law and if not then it needs to be declared illegitimate.

Monrovia – In a troubling turn of events, High-Power Exploration Inc. (HPX) has announced its intent to provide financial support for the establishment and initial operations of a National Rail Authority (NRA) in Liberia, all without a valid, ratified agreement from the country’s legislative body.

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com & Yaway Jaivey

This move raises serious concerns, given HPX’s prior controversial history in Liberia, where the company was criticized for entering into an illegal rail use framework agreement in February 2022. The lack of legislative approval for that agreement brought significant local and international condemnation, casting a long shadow over HPX’s current intentions.

Earlier this year, in February, HPX signed a letter of intent with the Liberian government to finance a multi-billion dollar “Liberty Corridor” project, in collaboration with South Africa’s Guma Group, which was accompanied by widespread doubts that the company could deliver on such commitment, especially, since the company’s announced US$2 billion for operating the Guinean mine.

The ambitious plan includes the construction of a new railway from northern Liberia to a modern deep-water port on the coast. The project, estimated to cost between $3 billion and $5 billion, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by President Joseph Boakai, HPX Chairman Robert Friedland, and Guma Group’s founder, South African billionaire, Robert Gumede.

Despite these commitments, many observers have been left questioning HPX’s actual intentions with its deep interest in the establishment of the National Rail Authority (NRA) when in fact, the timeline and deployment schedule for commencement of the proposed Liberty Corridor is yet to be seen. HPX’s intentions would make a lot more sense if the company had an existing stake in either the mining or rail transportation sectors in Liberia; which is not the case.

Notwithstanding, in a follow-up letter on HPX access and concession agreement obtained by FrontPage Africa, addressed to Hon. Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC), HPX President and CEO, Bronwyn Barnes, confirmed the company’s willingness to offer budgetary assistance through a structured payment arrangement.

Ms. Barnes said the initiative is intended to ensure that the NRA is equipped with the necessary financial resources to manage the country’s rail infrastructure fairly and transparently, adhering to international industry standards.

The HPX boss emphasized that HPX’s support demonstrates the company’s commitment to aiding Liberia in creating an equitable rail management system that serves all users.

“HPX stands ready to support the Government of Liberia to ensure that the National Rail Authority has the necessary financial resources to ensure a fair and equitable rail management system for all users under the highest of international industry standards and transparency,” Barnes stated.

Despite this generous gesture, many are concerned that HPX’s proposal to aid Liberia in creating an equitable rail management system is not without its risks. They have argued that while the company may present this as a gesture of goodwill, the lack of a ratified agreement with the government of Liberia on rail use casts a shadow over the legitimacy of this offer. Liberia’s leaders must carefully weigh the long-term consequences of accepting HPX’s support without proper legislative oversight. Failure to do so could compromise the nation’s legal standing, its economic future, and its reputation on the international stage.

HPX’s latest offer of budgetary support appears to follow a similar pattern of bypassing necessary legal channels, potentially undermining Liberia’s governance and sovereignty, which was seemingly the case with the 2022 rail use framework agreement which granted HPX unhindered access to the Yekepa-Buchanan rail corridor, a critical piece of infrastructure in Liberia. However, this agreement was never ratified by the Liberian legislature, making the $37 million payment HPX made to the previous government constitutionally illegal. The payment, meant to secure the rail access, sparked widespread outrage both within Liberia and internationally, with critics lambasting HPX for engaging in unethical business practices that disregarded the rule of law.

It is, therefore, deeply concerning that HPX would choose to pursue a similar course of action just two years later. The company’s willingness to provide financial assistance for the NRA, contingent on the successful conclusion of an Access Agreement, raises red flags about its true intentions. Without a ratified agreement, HPX’s involvement in the NRA’s formation could be seen as an attempt to circumvent Liberia’s legal framework and exert undue influence over the country’s rail infrastructure.

Should the government of Liberia confirm HPX’s budgetary proposal it could erode public trust in the government and its ability to protect national interests. The Liberian people, who have already expressed strong disapproval of HPX’s previous dealings, are unlikely to view this latest development favorably. The perception that a foreign company with no stake in country can be allowed to pay fully for the operations of a government raises a lot of ethical questions.

MONROVIA – The hurdle between ArcelorMittal-Liberia and HPX over the multi-user agreement over the railway running from Nimba to the Port of Buchanan began since 2022 and deepened further while ArcelorMittal which currently operates the rail presented its third Mineral Development Agreement to the Government for amendment.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

This Agreement has been before the Legislature since 2022.

In September 2021, the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal reached an agreement to amend the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). The agreement allows the company to expand its operations in Liberia and extends its iron ore mining concession for 25 years.

The Agreement, despite its promising US$800 million investment, was rejected by the House in April, 2022 and was sent back to Executive for renegotiation. Key among factors to be negotiated included renegotiating the operational and multi-user right of the railway. This has since been the sticky issue impeding the passage of the Agreement. This was because the Liberian government had sealed a Framework Agreement with HPX in the same 2022 for the usage of the rail to export of iron ore from Guinea through the Port of Buchanan.

The signed amended and restated Framework Agreement with the HPX confirmed the Liberian government’s principles for HPX’s non-discriminatory access to Liberian rail and port infrastructure and identifying HPX’s requirements for the future evacuation of ore from the Guinean Nimba Iron Ore Project.

The Framework Agreement also set out a timetable for detailed negotiations and the implementation of a definitive Concession and Access Agreement for HPX’s infrastructure requirements.

As per the Agreement, HPX looked forward to having the right to extend the railway facility from Yekepa to the Guinea-Liberia border and have access to the Yekepa-Port of Buchanan rail.

HPX group companies Ivanhoe Liberia announced that “the Government of Liberia will grant HPX usage of the Infrastructure Corridor in accordance with its rights and obligations under its current Mineral Development Agreement with ArcelorMittal, and will seek to resolve with ArcelorMittal the technical and commercial terms for HPX’s usage of the Shared Infrastructure in accordance with that Mineral Development Agreement. But there has since been a glitch on reaching common ground on the operation and use of the railway.

Within a few weeks after President Joseph Boakai was sworn into Office, HPX along with Guma Group and the Liberian Government announced a collaboration for the construction of Liberty Rail Corridor – a brand new multi-user infrastructure corridor connecting Guinea and Liberia.

The Liberty Corridor, according to an HPX press release would comprise a brand-new world-class rail system connecting Guinea to a brand-new deep-water port at Didia, Liberia, an extension of the existing hydropower network from Côte d’Ivoire into the Nimba districts of Liberia and Guinea, an upgrade of existing road networks in the Nimba district to all-weather roads and the implementation of fibre optic telecommunication cable connecting Liberia to the Nimba district and potentially beyond.

Liberty Rail Corridor project has sparked both excitement and skepticism within economic and political circles. The project, estimated at $5 billion. While initially appearing as a boon for economic development, several questions and concerns have emerged, casting doubt on its feasibility and potential repercussions.

One of the primary concerns raised is the timing and motivations behind HPX’s lobbying efforts against the ratification of ArcelorMittal’s third amendments. Critics question whether HPX was aware of the feasibility of the Liberty Corridor all along or if this is a recent development. Furthermore, HPX’s shifting stance on operatorship of the railway and port facilities raises doubts about the project’s consistency and long-term viability.

Economists have been particularly skeptical about the economic justification for such a massive infrastructure investment. With the iron ore deposit in Mount Nimba estimated at less than 900 million tons, and significant environmental and logistical challenges associated with mining, doubts arise about the project’s profitability. Additionally, the memorandum of understanding between Guinea and HPX imposes limitations on the volume of ore that can be mined and shipped annually, further complicating the economic viability of the venture.

Of particular concern is the potential involvement of the Liberian government in financing the project. While details remain unclear, the language of the press release suggests the possibility of state participation, raising fears of debt obligations falling on the government. Historically, such infrastructure projects have often relied on state guarantees, leaving the government vulnerable to financial risks.

Moreover, Guinea’s reluctance to allow HPX to pledge the mine as collateral for financing in Liberia underscores the complexities of cross-border investment in the region. With Guinea’s own infrastructure projects underway, the viability of the Liberty Corridor becomes even more uncertain.

In light of these challenges, observers caution against rushing into the project without thorough analysis and transparency regarding its structure and potential risks. The involvement of private capital, without burdening the state with debt, would alleviate some concerns. However, until more details are revealed, the true implications of the Liberty Rail Corridor remain uncertain.

Ultimately, the success of the project hinges on its economic viability and the ability of stakeholders to navigate the complex web of political, financial, and logistical challenges inherent in large-scale infrastructure development in the region. Without careful consideration and prudent planning, the Liberty Rail Corridor could risk becoming yet another failed venture, leaving Liberia and its citizens to bear the consequences.

MONROVIA – The Mano River Union (MRU), representing the collective interests and development aspirations of our member states, is delighted to express its full support for the recent announcement made by High Power Exploration Inc (HPX) regarding a pioneering agreement—a Letter of Intent with the Government of Liberia and the Guma Africa Group Ltd. This agreement marks the initiation of negotiations to establish a groundbreaking multi-user infrastructure project, known as The Liberty Corridor, aimed at connecting Guinea and Liberia through a state-of-the-art infrastructure network.

The Liberty Corridor project embodies a visionary approach to regional development, with plans to construct a world-class rail system that links Guinea to a new deep-water port in Didia, Liberia. This monumental infrastructure project does not stop at transportation; it extends into the energy sector by incorporating an extension of the existing hydropower network from Côte d’Ivoire into the Nimba districts of Liberia and Guinea. Moreover, the upgrade of existing road networks in the Nimba district to all-weather roads and the establishment of fibre optic telecommunication cable throughout the region are also key components of The Liberty Corridor.

The MRU recognizes the significant implications of this project for regional integration, economic development, and cross-border cooperation. By enhancing connectivity, facilitating trade, and improving access to essential services, The Liberty Corridor is set to drive significant socioeconomic benefits for the populations of Guinea, Liberia, and the wider MRU community.

Furthermore, this project aligns with the MRU’s strategic goals of promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and fostering peace and stability in the region. The Liberty Corridor serves as a testament to what can be achieved when governments, international corporations, and regional entities collaborate towards shared development objectives.

The MRU extends its gratitude to HPX, the Government of Liberia, and the Guma Africa Group Ltd for their commitment to this transformative initiative. We pledge our ongoing support and cooperation to ensure the successful realization of The Liberty Corridor project. This collaboration stands as a beacon of innovative development, poised to redefine the future of infrastructure and economic growth in our region.

MONROVIA – Bronwyn Barnes, President and CEO of US Company High Power Exploration Inc (“HPX”) announced today the signing of a letter of intent with the Government of Liberia and the Guma Africa Group Ltd to enter into negotiations to own, design, finance, develop and operate The Liberty Corridor – a brand new multi-user infrastructure corridor connecting Guinea and Liberia.

The Liberty Corridor will comprise a brand-new world-class rail system connecting Guinea to a brand-new deep-water port at Didia, Liberia, an extension of the existing hydropower network from Côte d’Ivoire into the Nimba districts of Liberia and Guinea, an upgrade of existing road networks in the Nimba district to all-weather roads and the implementation of fibre optic telecommunication cable connecting Liberia to the Nimba district and potentially beyond.

The Liberty Corridor would be a joint development between the Government of Liberia, HPX and the Guma Africa Group, with the three parties who today, entered into an exclusive 30 day period (which can be extended) during which the final framework agreement will be negotiated.  On completion of the final agreement, the document will be presented to the Liberian legislature for ratification.

A Liberia-Guinea multi-user infrastructure corridor has the potential to transform the mineral-rich Nimba region, and for projects along the railway and roads corridor in Liberia.  The Liberty Corridor will stimulate economic activity in mining, as well as agriculture, manufacturing, health and education.  The Liberty Corridor will dramatically improve the quality of life for the millions of people living in the region and create sustainable regional employment.

The President of Liberia His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., indicated his delight in having this major Project with the potenital for profound positive impact on the Liberian economy and the region. Furthermore, the Project is consistant with the Boakai’s administration ARREST (Agriculture, Road, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, & Tourism) agenda which will positively impact those sectors including electricity, telecommunication and the movement of goods and services.

He noted that the Project comes less than a month into his term which potents good news for the country especially for young people which will provide jobs opportunities.

“We are happy with the relationship with our American and South African  counterparts, especially seeing this Project coming in less than a month into my new administration.  

“We have to prove to our partners that we are serious, accountable and honest, and that corruption will not be a hindrance to this administration,” stated President Boakai.

The President also thanked HPX management for the determination expressed to operate in Liberia, to provide employment opportunities for Liberians and to contribute to the economic viability of the country. He also assured Liberians that there are prospects and good news on the horizon for the country.

HPX Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Barnes commented:

“HPX is delighted to have formed this partnership with the Government of Liberia and the Guma Africa Group to develop The Liberty Corridor in Guinea and Liberia.”

“President Joseph Boakai has started his Presidency on a strong footing, engaging with industry to build Liberia’s economy.  We are delighted to have signed this Letter of Intent with the Government of Liberia as we seek to build Liberia’s mining sector in an open and transparent relationship that also delivers benefits to broader industry and community.”

“HPX looks forward to being part of the growth of Liberia’s mining industry and working collaboratively with the Government of Liberia to expand both the mining sector and multiuser infrastructure opportunities centered around The Liberty Corridor.”

“The Liberty Corridor will be a world class infrastructure development that will include a brand new rail system constructed within the existing Yekepa – Buchanan infrastructure corridor, a new deep water port to be constructed at Didia, an upgrade to the existing road connecting the Nimba district to Didia, an expansion of existing renewable power systems from Liberia to Guinea, and high speed telecommunications infrastructure.

Guma Africa Group’s Pan African serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert Gumede said: “I am delighted to partner with HPX as we pool our resources to transform both Guinea and Liberia’s economies through the development of the Liberty Corridor that can unlock mining, agriculture and industrialization of the two countries and the creation of sustainable jobs. The time for lip service is gone.  Our joint partnership with HPX will support Liberia’s long term investments policies.” 

HPX Chairman Retired Ambassador J. Peter Pham also commented:

“The U.S. Government’s consideration of the potential for the Liberia – Guinea Corridor is extremely encouraging. This project has the potential to transform the mineral rich Nimba region, and for projects along the railway in Liberia, stimulating further economic activity not only in mining, but also agriculture, manufacturing, health, education.  The Liberty Corridor will enhance the quality of life for the citizens of both countries through improved access to energy, transportation, and telecommunications.”

“The opportunities that a new, world class infrastructure corridor will offer are in line with the objectives of the United States Government Strategy towards SubSaharan Africa, and the commitments given by President Biden and the G7 in a flagship infrastructure initiative – the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (“PGI”).”

The United States has announced a series of new PGI initiatives around the world to build out transformative economic corridors and drive infrastructure investments that can boost and connect economic development across multiple countries and sectors, including the “Lobito Atlantic Railway Corridor” launched by President Biden at the G7 Summit in Japan in May 2023. 

The Lobito Railway Corridor, currently connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia, helps integrate the three countries and enhance their connections with global markets by expanding export possibilities, boosting regional trade, and growing a variety of key market sectors.

Ivanhoe Mines, a major African based mining company founded and co-chaired by Robert Friedland, announced on 7 February 2024 that Ivanhoe Mines would be the first commercial customer to transport up to 240,000 tons of copper concentrate along The Lobito Corridor. 

Background

GUMA AFRICA GROUP is a Pan African diversified investment and operations group involved in Mining, Infrastructure, Tourism & Hospitality, ICT, Healthcare, Human Capital Development, Renewable Energy, Rail Manufacturing, etc. Guma operates in 28 African countries. 

HPX is an American exploration and development company focused on advancing its high-grade long-life iron ore mine in the Lola region of the Southeastern region of the Republic of Guinea.  HPX’s major shareholder and technology provider is IPulse Inc, a US Company founded and Chaired by Mr Robert Friedland and has a number of high profile American institutional and private investors as shareholders.

I-Pulse Inc. is a private American company with a multibillion-dollar valuation founded by Robert Friedland and Laurent Frescaline and backed by a global network of shareholders.  I-Pulse uses its unique expertise in electrical energy to power disruptive industrial solutions. The I-Pulse suite of technologies utilises proprietary capacitors that safely and repeatedly compress and release stored electricity in billionths of a second.  The extremely high-powered discharges, which utilise extremely small amounts of energy, generate precise shockwaves directed to shape and assemble metals to previously unachievable degrees of precision; generate electrical fields that reveal chargeable or resistive mineral deposits, or water, at depth; and crush rock containing minerals or gemstones. IPulse is commercializing these applications in industries such as advanced manufacturing and mineral exploration. I-Pulse operates its I-Cube research and development facilities in Toulouse, France. Visit www.ipulse–group.com to learn more.

MONROVIA – High Power Exploration (HPX) activities in Liberia may not in full swing until after 2029, FrontPageAfrica has gathered from the agreement signed between the company and the Government of Guinea.

HPX is seeking to export iron ore from Guinea through Liberia using the railway facility that runs from Yekepa, Nimba County to the Port of Buchanan.

The proposed use and management of the railway facility has also stalled the third mineral development agreement proffered by ArcelorMittal Liberia. ArcelorMittal’s MDA No. 3 offers an expansion of the company’s operations with an additional US$1 billion.

FrontPageAfrica observed from its review of the document that the agreement with the Government of Guinea gives HPX an option to produce an initial five million tons while carrying out the feasibility study for the 20 million tons project. However, HPX must submit a financial and technical viability study for the initial five million tons and get approval from the Government of Guinea. HPX is, however, appears not be considering the option of initial exploration until it meets all the requirements and preparations for the exploration of the 20 million tons. Experts say it would take HPX about six years for the completion of financing and construction.

HPX also needs to complete a Bankable Feasibility Studies (BFS) (including an environment impact assessment study) within 24 months of their amendment effective date. This must be approved by the Government of Guinea.  After this, HPX would need to make financing arrangements within 11 months of the GoG approval.

“HPX is yet to arrange the BFS. They need to complete the full construction of the project within 54 months of the financing arrangement. It means till HPX satisfies these conditions they can’t produce anything – even 5mt. Five million metric tones can never be financially viable with request capex as they need to develop rail and port also for evacuation,” a mining expert told FPA upon reviewing the document.

Clause 13 and 26 of the agreement with the Government of Guinea says that HPX must complete Technical Guide Reference (TGR) viable study for the Guinea evacuation option and the government must approve the TGR viability report as viable before they can trigger the Liberia option.

HPX, the Guinean mining company has been in talks with the Liberian Government for the blocking of 30 million tons capacity on the Liberian rail and port even though a review of their concession agreement shows that they have only given a 5 mtpa approval by the Guinean Government.

Even though the concession agreement shows that HPX could do about 20 mtpa, however, it is requesting a 30 mtpa capacity from Liberia. On a rail that could potentially do 55 or 60 mtpa, giving 30 mtpa to a single company from Guinea means that ArcelorMittal will not be able to expand beyond 25 mtpa and that no other Liberian or Guinean company will be able to use the rail because all the capacity would have been given a company from Guinea. We are technically limiting the exploitation of our own resources in favor of the resources from Guinea.

Even if Guinea approved the 20 mtpa for HPX to evacuate through Liberia, it means that HPX will become an effective landlord in Liberia since it will have more capacity than it can potentially use and will therefore have to rent the capacity to other companies from Guinea or Liberia.

Sources in Guinea have indicated that they are not happy with the form and manner that HPX is proceeding because there are other Guinean companies that are far more advanced in their studies and approval than HPX and Guinea intends to have them use the capacity in Liberia because they are smaller projects that will not be viable if they can’t evacuate through Liberia.