ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has for years demonstrated measurable commitment to Liberian workforce development through sustained investment in technical training and capacity building. AML has implemented structured training programs targeting operators, technicians, engineers, safety professionals, and administrative staff, with a clear emphasis on skills transfer and localization.
Late Wednesday, Kleber Silva, ArcelorMittal Group’s Global Chief Executive Officer for Mining, reaffirmed the company’s strong commitment to human capacity development, describing leadership investment as a critical pillar of operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Silva made the statement during the graduation ceremony of more than fifteen ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) employees who successfully completed the Succeed One Leadership Program, held in Yekepa, Nimba County.
ArcelorMittal Liberia graduated and certified the employees following the completion of the program delivered by ArcelorMittal University, in collaboration with Duke Corporate Education.
Glaobal CEO for Mining Kleber said, “I am really happy to be here and participating in the ceremony. We see the feeling, we see the development, and this is important for all of us because what we are is what we learned.”
“As you are aware, we have important plans for this operation. Now we are done with the MDA we can continue to grow, we can continue to support and we can continue to transformed Liberia”
He congratulated the graduates, saying, “The most precious thing we have in our lives is the ability to grow, to transform yourselves by learning. It is a condition to exist—that we continue to develop forever.”
The in-person training, organized through a partnership with Duke University, focused on strengthening leadership competencies among AML staff, particularly in navigating the company’s evolving work environment.
The program emphasized self-awareness, effective team collaboration, and fostering a stronger internal community, while equipping participants with practical tools to respond to challenges within AML’s operational ecosystem.
The initiative brought together employees from multiple departments, creating a dynamic platform for shared learning, leadership development, and engagement with modern workplace realities.
Also speaking at the ceremony, ArcelorMittal Liberia Chief Executive Officer, Michiel Van Der Merwe, congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and leadership skills acquired to their daily responsibilities.
AML CEO noted, “This actually gives me a very warmed feeling to see some of you over the short period that I have been here into what we have become from where we were, and how quickly we have accelerated maturity.”
“I think the level of warmness and maturity from the workforce is just exceptional. It’s absolutely amazing to see you people go through this training, and congratulations to each of you. What each of you are doing is amazing,” he stated.
He highlighted the growing importance of leadership at every level of the organization as ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to expand and adapt within Liberia’s mining sector.
Graduates of the program expressed appreciation to ArcelorMittal Liberia for providing access to high-level professional development opportunities designed to enhance their effectiveness.
Participants noted that the training enabled them to distinguish between technical problems and adaptive challenges, helping shift their mindset “from authority to presence, and from managing tasks to mobilizing people.”
They further observed that at a time when ArcelorMittal is navigating major transitions, including decarbonization, digitalization, and cultural transformation, the leadership framework gained through the program is not merely theoretical, but essential to the company’s operations.
These initiatives include apprenticeship schemes, heavy equipment operation training, engineering development pathways, safety certification programs, and international exposure opportunities for high-performing Liberian employees.
Through partnerships with vocational institutions and in-house competency-based training systems, AML has strengthened the technical proficiency, productivity, and employability of Liberians within the mining sector. This approach reflects a deliberate corporate strategy to reduce reliance on expatriate labor, build long-term national expertise, and create a sustainable pipeline of qualified Liberian professionals capable of supporting current operations and future expansion phases.
