Over the last two decades, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has taken on the enormous task of reviving and modernizing the Buchanan-Yekepa rail line, which is a critical piece of Liberia’s infrastructure that was left in disrepair for over 15 years due to the country’s civil war.
With an investment now exceeding $800 million, AML has transformed this once-abandoned rail line into a functional and reliable artery for Liberia’s iron ore industry.
Despite these substantial contributions, High Power Exploration (HPX) has launched a campaign of misinformation, leveraging social media and outlets like the Liberian Observer to undermine AML’s work.
HPX appears intentional on dictating terms to Liberian authorities without making any meaningful investments to support the rail line’s continued operation.
When AML assumed responsibility for the Buchanan-Yekepa rail line, it inherited a shadow of its former self. Years of neglect and the widespread looting of steel parts during the war had left the railway in a state of severe disrepair. The once-vibrant transport route had been reduced to a skeletal framework, incapable of supporting significant economic activity.
AML was forced to replace nearly every component of the rail infrastructure—from tracks to signaling systems—to restore its functionality.
The thriving scrap metal trade during the war further stripped the railway of vital materials, leaving behind a corridor vulnerable to theft, particularly in the sparsely populated regions along the rail line. This persistent threat has compelled AML to adopt costly anti-theft measures, including the installation of specialized fasteners.
The company has also had to contend with the on-going theft of fuel and tarpaulins, further complicating operations and driving up costs. Yet, despite these challenges, AML’s commitment to Liberia’s economic future has never wavered.
The company’s recent investment in steel sleepers—designed to last approximately 50 years—underscores its long-term vision for iron ore operations in Liberia.
This is not merely about running a profitable business: it is about contributing to the nation’s development by ensuring that the rail line remains a robust and reliable asset for decades to come. AML’s vision is to maintain a rail line that can be utilized by multiple actors, supporting the inclusive growth of Liberia’s mining sector.
Liberians should recognize that AML’s $800 million investment is a testament to its commitment to long-term development that goes beyond just the mining and transportation of iron ore. It is crucial to understand that this rail line is not AML’s property; it is owned by the Government of Liberia. AML’s role has been one of stewardship, ensuring that this national asset is maintained, upgraded, and operated in a way that benefits all Liberians.
In stark contrast, HPX has made no tangible investment in the Buchanan-Yekepa rail line, yet seeks to dictate its use through a sustained campaign of propaganda and disruption.
The company’s rhetoric obscures the reality that it has contributed nothing to the rail line’s rehabilitation or expansion. By employing misinformation to influence the use of an infrastructure to which it has made no contribution, HPX is effectively denying Liberians the full benefits of AML’s investments.
These benefits include the creation of thousands of jobs and the attraction of further investments that have the potential to transform the country’s mining landscape.
Currently, AML is making efforts to create temporary excess capacity on the rail line to accommodate other parties, demonstrating its commitment to operating a multi-user railway.
This approach is designed to ensure that Liberia’s mining sector can grow inclusively, allowing for multiple operators while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the rail line.
AML’s investment in the Buchanan-Yekepa rail line is more than just a corporate expenditure; it is a commitment to Liberia’s future. This investment has revived a critical national asset, created jobs, and set the stage for sustainable economic growth.
Any narrative that does not prioritize the long-term interests of Liberia and its people, as well as a shared vision for the future, should be viewed with skepticism.
