Timeline

2005: ArcelorMittal signs a 25-year MDA with the Liberian government, setting the stage for iron ore mining operations. 

By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, Emmanuel.weedee-conway@frontpageafricaonline.com 

• 2006: ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. is formally created.
• 2011: ArcelorMittal begins mining operations in Liberia, marking the country’s return to the global iron ore stage after a 20-year absence. 
• 2012: The first shipment of Liberian iron ore is exported through Buchanan Port, demonstrating the success of the revived iron ore industry. 
• 2022: Phase II expansion is reactivated, indicating a commitment to growth and increased production. 
• 2025: The concentrator is commissioned, further solidifying ArcelorMittal’s position as a key player in Liberia’s mining sector and a global supplier of premium iron ore concentrate. 

YEKEPA, Nimba County – President Joseph Boakai, and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, on Thursday attended the inauguration of ArcelorMittal’s world-class concentrator. The state-of-the-art concentrator—one of the largest iron ore beneficiation plants in Africa—is the centerpiece of ArcelorMittal’s US$1.8 billion Phase II expansion project. The project is expected to boost the company’s annual iron ore production in Liberia from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, while significantly enhancing product quality to higher-grade, higher-value iron ore, according to the company.

Coming shortly after the company marked 20 years of mining operations in Liberia, the commissioning of the concentrator brings ArcelorMittal’s total investment in the country to approximately US$3 billion.

In addition to the concentrator, the expansion project includes critical infrastructure upgrades: the railway from Tokadeh to Buchanan is being modernized, a new pier has been added at the Buchanan Port, and new material-handling systems have been installed. The project has employed 5,000 contractors and maintains a permanent Liberian workforce of over 2,000.

A Milestone for Investment and Development

Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai hailed the project as a significant boost to Liberia’s economy and a symbol of growing investor confidence.

“This level of expansion is a testament to the increasing confidence in the security and well-being of the state, as well as the current and future direction of Liberia’s investment climate,” President Boakai said. “We are informed that over 5,000 on-site construction jobs have already been created, and upon completion, the project will generate over 1,000 permanent roles.”

The President emphasized that such large-scale investment should also result in an expansion of ArcelorMittal’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts in sectors like health, education, commerce, and employment.

“We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for this bold step and urge the company to continue with its other investment pursuits, including railway expansion, port enhancement, and power plant installations,” he added.

President Boakai encouraged citizens, particularly those in the project counties, to embrace and support the investment, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for national transformation.

“This investment means a lot. We are here to launch an initiative that will touch the lives of our people. We must embrace and protect it,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience.

The President also expressed appreciation to ArcelorMittal’s Board for reaffirming its long-term commitment to Liberia, and assured that the government will ensure accountability and adherence to the terms of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).

Mittal: ‘The Beginning of a Major Journey’

In his remarks, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, ArcelorMittal’s Executive Chairman, described the inauguration as the start of a transformative chapter in Liberia’s mining sector.

“It is wonderful to be here again in Liberia to celebrate this very important milestone. We have been working towards this moment for many years, and to have President Boakai here with us makes it especially memorable,” Mr. Mittal said.

“This concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia. It will quadruple our production capacity, provide jobs for thousands of Liberians, and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic prosperity.”

Mr. Mittal noted that ArcelorMittal takes its responsibility to Liberia seriously, referencing the company’s contributions to infrastructure such as roads, power generation, and township development.

“Our presence here over the past 20 years has already changed the country. This expansion will bring even greater achievements. We are confident in the government and people of Liberia. No one has invested what we have invested,” he said.

A Track Record of Commitment

Since entering Liberia in 2005 through a 25-year Mineral Development Agreement, ArcelorMittal has played a central role in reviving the country’s iron ore industry. Mining operations began in 2011, and the first iron ore shipment was exported via the Buchanan Port in 2012.

In 2022, the company reactivated its Phase II expansion and now, with the commissioning of the concentrator, stands at a critical turning point. ArcelorMittal is exploring further expansion to increase capacity to 30 million tonnes annually, with feasibility studies underway for producing Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) quality concentrate.

The current railway upgrade is already designed to support the future target of transporting 30 million tonnes of ore each year.

As Liberia positions itself to benefit from its natural resources, the ArcelorMittal expansion—one of the largest mining investments in Africa—signals a renewed era of economic opportunity, infrastructure growth, and shared prosperity.

NIMBA — ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi N. Mittal has arrived in Liberia ahead of the commissioning of the country’s first iron ore concentrator, a historic event scheduled for Thursday, June 5, in Yekepa, Nimba County. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

The ceremony, which will also be attended by President Joseph Boakai and other senior government officials, will mark a significant milestone in Liberia’s industrial development and economic transformation. 

Mr. Mittal’s visit highlights the strategic importance of Liberia within ArcelorMittal’s global operations and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s growth.

The commissioning of the concentrator is the centerpiece of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s US$3 billion Phase II expansion project, the largest foreign direct investment in Liberia since the end of its civil conflict.

The new iron ore concentrator, the first of its kind in West Africa, will enable Liberia to process lower-grade iron ore into high-grade magnetite concentrate, allowing the country to add value to its mineral resources instead of exporting raw ore. This is expected to increase government revenues, generate thousands of jobs, and strengthen Liberia’s position in the global iron ore market.

A senior Liberian government official described the event as a turning point for the nation, noting that the arrival of Mr. Mittal demonstrates the seriousness with which ArcelorMittal regards Liberia’s development potential. The official said the commissioning is not just about opening a new plant but signifies the ignition of Liberia’s industrial future.

Mr. Mittal is one of the most prominent figures in the global steel and mining industry, and his visit is widely seen as a vote of confidence in Liberia’s investment climate under the administration of President Boakai. 

The government has made economic transformation, infrastructure development, and job creation key priorities under its ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. President Boakai is expected to address the nation at the ceremony, emphasizing the government’s goal to transition Liberia from exporting raw materials to producing high-value commodities.

According to ArcelorMittal Liberia, the concentrator is mechanically complete and undergoing wet commissioning. When operational, it will upgrade lower-grade hematite ore containing 35 to 37 percent iron into a premium magnetite concentrate exceeding 66 percent iron content. 

Production is expected to increase from the current five million tonnes per annum to 15 million tonnes initially, with plans to reach 20 million tonnes by the end of 2025.

The commissioning event will also highlight other critical infrastructure developments under the Phase II expansion, including upgrades to the Yekepa-Buchanan railway corridor, where more than 440,000 new sleepers and 230,000 meters of track have been installed. 

The rail line has also been modernized with 16 new locomotives, 700 wagons, and advanced signaling and communication systems to improve safety and efficiency. At Buchanan Port, the berth has been extended to accommodate Panamax-class vessels, and a new high-capacity shiploader has been installed along with upgraded material handling and environmental control facilities.

Michiel van der Merwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, said the project has already created over 3,000 construction jobs and is expected to generate more than 7,000 direct jobs at full operation. He emphasized that the new infrastructure will not only support mining activities but also catalyze broader regional development.

The project has also made significant investments in community development, including healthcare, education, clean water, and economic inclusion programs. Since 2005, ArcelorMittal has contributed more than US$48 million to the County Social Development Fund, including a recent US$4 million increase tied to the renegotiated Mineral Development Agreement. 

A full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment was conducted and approved before construction began.

Van der Merwe reiterated that ArcelorMittal is a long-term partner committed to Liberia’s sustainable development, saying the commissioning of the concentrator is evidence of that dedication.

ArcelorMittal’s presence in Liberia dates back to 2005 with the signing of the original Mineral Development Agreement. The company resumed mining operations in 2011 with Direct Shipping Ore and has since become Liberia’s largest taxpayer and foreign investor. 

Key milestones in ArcelorMittal Liberia’s history include the 2005 MDA signing, the start of DSO operations in 2011, the first iron ore exports through Buchanan Port in 2012, the reactivation of Phase II expansion in 2022, and the commissioning of the concentrator in 2025.

Once fully operational, the concentrator and its associated infrastructure will position Liberia as a key global supplier of premium iron ore concentrate. The integrated approach, from mine to rail to port, creates an industrial corridor expected to serve as a model for future foreign direct investment.

The commissioning ceremony is anticipated to draw a wide range of stakeholders, including international investors, development partners, and civil society representatives.