JOSEP BORRELL, THE European Union (EU) High Representative and Vice-President, on February 1, 2022 described the ArcelorMittal Liberia Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) as the largest in the country and will be one of the largest mining projects in West Africa.
HIGH REPRESENTATIVE AND Vice-President Borrell stated, “The High Representative/Vice-President is aware that the Government of Liberia (GOL) and ArcelorMittal (AM) reached an agreement, which is currently under ratification by the Congress of Liberia, to amend the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and to expand mining and logistic operations of the company in Liberia. The AM investment is by far the largest in the country and will be one of the largest mining projects in West Africa. One of the objectives of the amended MDA is to share the railway among the three mining companies in Liberia and in Guinea so that transport services are open to the two other mining companies in Guinea.
“THE EU IS promoting good governance and the rule of law and supporting sustainable and inclusive development in its policy dialogues and cooperation with partner countries, including Liberia. This includes the promotion of human rights and responsible business conduct in line with United Nations Guiding Principles, and applies to all sectors of intervention, including mining.
“THERE ARE BENEFITS for the country and its citizens, foreign investments being essential for Liberia’s development. For the EU this investment, with its link to the viability of a decarbonised steel industry in Europe, is of high importance.
“THE EU WILL continue its dialogue on economic governance with the government, to support responsible mining practices in compliance with the internationally agreed labor and environmental standards and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.”