Community engagement has been one of the key strategies deployed by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) to help the company run its mining and logistics operations. The company hires community engagement officers each for Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa counties, the three counties that host its activities.
These officers help coordinate communication and decision-making processes between the citizens and the concession as a way of integrating locals into the work of the company in various ways.
By this means, ArcelorMittal has helped to fund various community development activities in these counties, ranging from the construction of roads, schools, playgrounds, clinics, to support to agricultural and farming activities.
With the recent news of a violent attack at the company’s Tokadeh Mines in Nimba, which left a company employee and police officer seriously wounded, the need for communities to support and protect a concession that is contributing the largest revenue to government and, at the same time, providing valuable services to underprivileged communities, cannot be overemphasized.
“Why it is important for us to balance between supporting concession companies and ensuring that their operations are in line with ethical and sustainable practices, we must be aware that protecting a company like AML can bring various benefits,” ArcelorMittal said. “It is crucial to consider the long-term impact on the community’s well-being, environmental sustainability, and social responsibility.”
Since her entry into Liberia, AML has continued to make invaluable economic contributions to Liberian communities affected by its work, creating jobs, increasing local spending, and contributing to the overall business ecosystem in places like Nimba and grand Bassa counties.
ArcelorMittal has provided services or facilities that enhance the quality of life for residents in dozens of towns and villages, including recreational facilities, handpumps, road networks, and more.
In Nimba County for example, AML has donated US$40 million to construct a KM road which will, for the first time, see the commercial hub of Ganta linked with the key mining town of Yekepa with paved road.
This road connectivity will help improve internal and cross-border trade and interlink the cities of Monrovia, Kakata, Gbarnga and Sanniquellie and Yekepa, not to mention the generation of some 2,000 short-to-medium- term jobs.
“Our communities must be aware of how crucial AML’s own payment of fees and or taxes to the government is, as well as contributions to public funds that directly support community development, infrastructure, and public services,” the company continued.
Just last year, ArcelorMittal, as prime sponsor, provided a whopping $275,000, the largest single non-for-profit sponsorship donation to help the Ministry of Youths and Sports run the 2022/2023 National County Sports Meet.
The company is on record for her repeated support to Grand Bassa, Nimba and Bong counties to better prepare them for succeeding editions of the county meet.
Many of the communities affected by AML’s operations have a reason to help provide security for the company because, in the absence of such a generous concession, regular partnerships with local groups, be it for sponsorships or collaborations that foster positive relationships and community engagement, cannot be achieved.
“We have seen the annual implementation of a community soccer tournament for all ArcelorMittal host communities, as part of a bigger community identity and social development drive that brings a sense of place and pride, despite offering of employment opportunities for residents, helping to reduce unemployment and improve livelihoods,” the company stated.
It cannot be overemphasized how collaboration and strong support from Liberians residing in AML’s concession areas can lead to the development of better initiatives that could enhance community services and provide amenities in some of these areas with deeply challenging social and economic concerns.
Communities have a role to help develop trust, safety, and social cohesion with concessions to strengthen social and cultural capacities, in order to resolve disputes and conflict and promote dialogue that benefits all.
