News of ArcelorMittal’s ambitious Phase II expansion continues to resonate with indigenous Liberian businesses in the logistics and hospitality sectors.
This expansion, the Government of Liberia (GOL) and AML have long agreed, will pave the way for enhanced production in AML’s operations in Nimba.
ArcelorMittal phase two project will result in further investment in strengthening the capacity of the Buchanan Port, mainly through a new fixed ship loader that will have the greater loading capacity of 6—8,000 tons of iron ore per hour, and the construction of a mega ore concentrator at the mine site in Yekepa.
These activities, when completed, will make way for the company to produce iron ore pellets, enabling ArcelorMittal to increase its production capacity to about 30mtpa (Million Tonnes Per Annum, a weight based production measurement value) of ore.
It is for this Phase II Expansion Project that ArcelorMittal, a leader in major global markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks for steel and ore, has begun huge logistical movement into Liberia.
This is an ideal business opportunity that many small local businesses in Liberia are positioning themselves to tap into, directly or indirectly, during the course of the expansion.
In an exclusive interview with a team of community radio reporters in Ganta, Nimba County, on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, a truck owner who runs a struggling rental service said he was excited and cannot wait to see the company roll out its expansion plans.
Jackson Dolo made it clear that he was not alone as similar sentiments are being expressed by owners and managers of car and truck rental services in the northern county.
Said Dolo, “This AML expansion, if it happens, will put our cars and trucks to work again after things have been quiet for a long time.
“I remember making good money every day from my trucks that were being used on the mines. When things slowed down at AML our income was affected. I am very happy to be reading about expansion again, as a contractor and truck owner, and I will be bidding for contracts again,” the visibly excited Dolo stated while sharing pictures of the good days of business dealings with newsmen.
Excitement is gradually growing in the business community in Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties, where AML’s activities are heavily concentrated.
Reporters continued their random interviews and spoke with a passionate resident of Nimba County who owns private property in the area and did not want to be named.
The lady is constructing a new hotel and restaurant on her family land, in anticipation of favorable business climate in her dear Nimba County.
Speaking to reporters, she said, “I want things to kick off tomorrow. I am already very excited about the prospects and what I am hearing here as I have been witnessing massive movements of AML machinery in preparation for the explanation.”
In Grand Bassa County, a native of the historical Edina township spoke excitedly about the future. She claimed she is looking to invest over US$100,000 in the hotel project she is undertaking as she is sure contractors and other service providers to AML will be in need of such facilities as they gain contracts and employment in the AML expansion.
“We who are from here are very glad the company is bringing back the good times to our beautiful Buchanan,” said Mark Wesseh.
He recalled how things looked gloomy and heartbreaking when there was a slowdown throughout Ebola and COVID 19. “AML showed real commitment by staying here with us through thick and thin. These are real investors, and not fair-weather believers, but true partners in progress,” he lavished praise on AML.
Local government experts say the company’s expansion could increase the number of new businesses opening up in the port city of Buchanan, and by that boost the city and county’s revenue in municipal taxes and fees, as well as rapid growth.
The excitements amongst SMEs about the AML expansion could mean these businesses would hire additional staff and create more employment for young graduates from the Bong Technical College, Nimba University and the Grand Bassa University.