The Liberian Senate has concurred with the House of Representatives on Amendment No. 3 to the ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Mineral Development Agreement, paving the way for increased investment and revenue generation.
The concurrence by the Liberian Senate followed a report from the Senate Joint Committee comprising the Committees on Lands & Mines, Concessions & Investment, Ways, Means, Finance & Budget and Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petition.
It can be recalled that on January 13, 2026 the Liberian Senate forwarded the proposed AML Amendment No. 3 to its Joint Committee for review, scrutiny and recommendations that will advise the plenary on the relevance of the passage of the instrument.
In accordance with its mandate by plenary, the Joint Committee on January 21, 2026 invited for public hearing the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Concessions for the purpose of stating the importance and necessity of the amendment and its economic benefits to the country.
The facts presented by the IMCC include the Extended Term Limit of the third (3rd) AML Agreement shall be December 20, 2050, with an increase in production capacity from 15 million Wet Metric Tons per annum (MWMPTA) by 2027, to 20 million Wet Metric Tons per annum (MWMPTA) by 2031, and up to 30 million Wet Metric Tons per annum (MWMPTA) thereafter.
The IMCC further intimated to the Senate Joint Committee that the AML Third Amendment carries an upfront payment of US$200 million to the Government of Liberia and an increase in the Mining License Fee from US$50,000 to US$500,000 on a yearly basis.
The AML Third Amendment also has in its package for Community Development Fund (CDF) the amount of US$5,000,000 as improved payment to the community on a yearly basis for community development purposes.
Also within the Amendment No. 3, the Government of Liberia (GOL) shall have the right to create a multi-user rail regime under a new Railroad System Operating Principle (RSOP) framework, which will lead to the government’s ability to raise money from other users of the rail.
The Amendment (No.3) also provides for the maintenance of community roads in the concession areas of Bong, Grand Bassa and Nimba counties, as well as upgrade of health facilities in Yekepa and Buchanan; moreover, it includes the payment of US$4.6 million to construct three medical facilities in Nimba and Grand Bassa counties.
The IMCC also indicated to the Joint Committee that the Amendment (No.3) covers the rehabilitation of the St. John River Bridge, as well as KM 2.5 Bridge connecting Buchanan City Center to the Concession Loop in Bassa, and the construction and running of a vocational institute to train residents in that locale to acquire jobs that will be available by the company.
More importantly, the IMCC stated to the Joint Committee that the Amendment takes into account the provision of employment for Liberian citizens in senior most managerial positions of AML as well as the provision of special jobs for qualified Liberians exclusively.
Upon vigorous review of the Third (3rd) Amendment, the Joint Committee recommended that plenary approves the instrument.
In view of the foregoing, the Senate concurred with the House of Representatives on the Amendment in session on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
