ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is placing renewed focus on the connection between its operations and the wellbeing of surrounding communities, with Chief Executive Officer Michiel Van Der Merwe emphasizing that safety cannot be achieved in isolation. Speaking at his first townhall meeting of 2026, the CEO addressed staff following presentations from the Mines, Safety, Sustainability and External Relations, Environmental, Human Resources and Organizational Development, and Quality of Life departments, each of which delivered quarterly updates.
In his remarks, Van Der Merwe highlighted that the success and stability of AML’s workforce are closely tied to the conditions of the communities around them. While employees benefit from stable employment and income, he noted that nearby residents may not experience the same level of opportunity or security. He urged the company to bridge that gap by ensuring community members feel included and valued. “Joy must not only be among the people who are privileged to work,” he said, “but should flow among the neighbors of AML. This is the only way we will operate safely here.”
Supporting this direction, Head of Sustainability and External Relations, Marcus S. Wleh, reported that the department has received a substantial budget dedicated to community investment. He assured that the funds would be managed responsibly, with full accountability for how every dollar is used to benefit surrounding areas.
Van Der Merwe also addressed workplace safety, calling on employees—especially those in safety roles and those engaging directly with communities—to extend safety awareness beyond AML sites. He referenced a recent incident in Grand Bassa County and underscored the importance of educating residents living along the company’s rail corridor about the dangers associated with railway operations.
He further underscored that safety should not be treated merely as a formal objective or corporate requirement, but as a deeply embedded culture shared by every employee. While AML continues to invest millions of dollars into maintaining safe operations, he made it clear that no level of spending can compare to the value of human life or the impact of workplace injuries.
At the core of the CEO’s message was a firm commitment to integrating safety and community relations into the company’s everyday operations. AML recognized that sustainable safety performance depends not only on internal systems and protocols, but also on trust, inclusion, and shared awareness with host communities. By investing in community development, strengthening outreach efforts, and promoting safety education beyond its workforce, the company aims to create an environment where both employees and residents feel secure, respected, and connected. This approach, according to the CEO, reflects AML’s belief that long-term operational success is only possible when community wellbeing and workplace safety advance together.
Concluding his address, Van Der Merwe encouraged all employees, regardless of their roles, to work with greater focus and efficiency, noting that collective effort and discipline will help build a stronger future for everyone linked to AML’s operations.
