On Tuesday, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s CEO, Jozephus Coenen, paid a courtesy visit to President-Elect Joseph N. Boakai at his Rehab residence in Paynesville.
The meeting opened with CEO Coenen extending congratulations on behalf of ArcelorMittal for Boakai’s electoral success and the peaceful conduct of the elections. Coenen emphasized the enduring partnership between ArcelorMittal and Liberia, pledging the company’s commitment to continue operating in the country and collaborating with the new government.
Coenen and President-elect Boakai also discussed ArcelorMittal’s investment in Liberia and the economic opportunities arising from the Phase II Expansion project, where CEO Coenen provided insights into the project’s scope and outlined expected timelines for the fully expanded operation.
He also addressed challenges related to the amendment of the Third ArcelorMittal Liberia Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which is still before the Legislature for passage.
The ArcelorMittal Liberia CEO re-echoed his company’s stance and openness to a multi-user rail arrangement of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway.
President-Elect Boakai, in response, welcomed the AML delegation, acknowledging the company’s significant investment in Liberia. Boakai disclosed he is aware of the issues around ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operation, and assured that his government will operate on facts, expressing appreciation for AML’s commitment amidst challenges. He shared a 2017 letter from Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, highlighting Mittal’s commendation for his role in the 2017 elections.
The President-elect concluded by assuring that his administration will strive to prevent scenarios of “ghost cities” resulting from the withdrawal of major investors from Liberia.
Reporters who covered the event said that the meeting concluded, with both parties expressing optimism for continued collaboration between ArcelorMittal Liberia and the in-coming administration.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is part of the ArcelorMittal group, the world’s leading steel and mining company and the leader in all major steel markets globally. ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. was created in 2006 when the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to mine iron ore was signed between the Government of Liberia (GOL) and ArcelorMittal.
AML CEO Coenen was accompanied to the meeting by the company’s Head of External Relations and Sustainability, Marcus Wleh, and Communication Manager, Winston Daryoue.
President-elect Boakai was alongside key figures from his team, including former Public Works Minister Samuel Koffi Woods, Unity Party’s Chairman Luther Tarpeh, MacDella Cooper, former Finance Minister and Senator-elect of Gbarpolu County, Amara Konneh, and Political Advisor, Anthony Kesselly, and UP Spokesman, Mo Ali.