ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), Liberia’s mining giant and one of the biggest contributors to the economic and human empowerment of the country, over the weekend commemorated its 20th anniversary with impactful imprints in Liberia.
Since its coming into Liberia, ArcelorMittal has invested approximately US$2.5 billion into the mining sector, contributing to infrastructure development and economic growth. This investment has given rise to over 2,100 direct jobs and an estimated 5,300 indirect. Additionally, more than 1,000 Liberians have been employed in a single rail remediation project, reflecting AML’s commitment to community employment.
AML’s operations have generated substantial revenue for the Liberian government, with anticipated revenues from the Phase II Expansion Project projected to increase from US$35 million to US$200 million, according to an official of the company.
The communities in which the company operates, Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa, have been major beneficiaries of ArcelorMittal’s community development initiatives, which encompass education and health and social initiatives: the company has facilitated education for over 1,000 Liberian children in its school systems, providing quality primary and secondary education at the AML School System; invested US$7 million in rehabilitating infrastructure, offering 100% tuition-free training and certifying young Liberians with internationally recognized certificates; introduced the Young Professionals Program, which has absorbed nearly all interns into the AML workforce and provided valuable professional opportunities; increased investment in local health infrastructure, including upgrading hospitals like the Buchanan Hospital, and the construction of new hospitals in Nimba and Grand Bassa County; and played a key role in building social infrastructure through community initiatives, including drug awareness programs, student career fairs, and other health and safety education programs.
Throughout the years, AML has focused on responsible mining practices and committed to environmental sustainability in its operations, collaborating with local communities to promote long-term ecological health. The company is also fully aligned with the Government of Liberia’s desire to create a fully functioning framework for multiuser rail system on the Buchanan Corridor.
In regards to infrastructure development, ArcelorMittal Liberia has invested US$800 million in developing a 243km heavy haul railway, enhancing transportation of bulk commodities and creating an efficient logistics network for mining operations, and complies with US heavy haul standards.
There are on-going projects to improve rail system capacity, with expansions that allow for longer trains and additional locomotives and wagons to facilitate increased production.
In its third amendment of the Mineral Development Agreement with the Government of Liberia (GOL), the AML proposed user-operator structure is said to be the most successful structure for bulk commodities worldwide in major jurisdictions (e.g. Australia, Brazil, Canada), including successful operations in neighboring Guinea.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has also agreed to a Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) suggested by GoL that would provide more than adequate protection to the GoL and other users regarding rail access, along with transparent and non-discriminatory rail operatorship. the company has disclosed that these new multi-user principles will be effective immediately, and that the Rail Authority will be responsible for setting standards, monitoring and inspecting various aspects of rail operations.
AML, which came in the country 2005 and started operation in 2007, has had great impact in the mining sector, the economy, human empowerment, and so on. It is the world’s fifth iron ore producer.
It has gone beyond previous scope of operations by launching its phase II agenda that will improve the mining sector by tripling iron ore production from 5 to 15 million tons per annum, according to the company’s communication Manager, Winston Daryoue, who, along with other AML officials, took a team of journalists on a tour of its rail facility in Buchanan recently.
Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal has announced that 75% of the phase II ventures will be processed locally to promote industrial growth and job creation.
AML’s Executive Vice President and CEO, Kelber Silva, who guided journalists on a tour of AML facilities in Buchanan recently, noted that phase II operation is the company’s long-term growth dedicated to Liberia—to grow with Liberia and for Liberia. CEO Silva said he is proud because the phase II project will be accomplished.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s 20th anniversary celebration was commemorated on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at the Invincible Sports Park, Old Road Junction, Sinkor. The program began with a parade from the Monrovia City Hall, with several dignitaries, citizens and the media gracing the occasion.
According to AML’s Communication Manager, Winston Daryoue, a similar celebration will be held in Grand Bassa and Nimba counties.