Published: April 10, 2025
YEKEPA, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the country’s largest foreign investor, marked its 20th anniversary with a message that went beyond mining — a renewed commitment to Liberia’s development, people, and future.
At a colorful celebration in Yekepa, the historic mining town where AML began operations two decades ago, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Michiel Vandermerwe, declared that AML is not just extracting iron ore but helping to shape a stronger, more resilient Liberia.
“We are not just a mining company. We are here to build a stronger, more resilient Liberia,” Vandermerwe told a gathering of chiefs, elders, government officials, youth, and community leaders. “Our journey over the past 20 years has not just been about digging iron ore. It has been about investing in people, transforming communities, and being a development partner to Liberia.”
A Legacy of Rebuilding After War
AML’s entry into Liberia in 2005 marked a turning point for the country’s post-war recovery. The company restored the railway from Yekepa to Buchanan, reopened Buchanan Port, and rebuilt critical infrastructure — assets once left to decay during the country’s civil conflict.
“These are not just assets for AML — they are national assets,” Vandermerwe emphasized.
Since then, the company has grown into a development partner, creating thousands of jobs, providing training through its Vocational Training Center (VTC), and contributing millions to community development.
In 2024 alone, AML disbursed over US$3.5 million through the County Social Development Fund and Community Development Fund — supporting clinics, schools, markets, and agriculture projects in its host counties of Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa.
“We believe in shared growth,” Vandermerwe said. “We don’t impose what communities should do with their money. We support their choices and help implement their visions.”
Local leaders praised the company’s approach.
“ArcelorMittal has been a reliable partner. They are always here with us — not just when things are good,” said Chief Emmanuel Dolo of Nimba.
Investing in Liberia’s Future Workforce
A highlight of AML’s legacy is its investment in human capacity. Over 400 young Liberians have graduated from its VTC in Yekepa, trained in mechanical, electrical, and mining trades. Many now form the backbone of Liberia’s mining sector.
“We believe the best gift to Liberia is knowledge,” Vandermerwe said, announcing plans to expand the VTC and build a modern technical university in Nimba.
“This is not just corporate social responsibility. This is legacy-building.”
A $1.6 Billion Vote of Confidence
The celebration also spotlighted AML’s Phase II Expansion Project — a US$1.6 billion investment, the largest private investment in Liberia in decades. The project includes a new ore concentrator plant, expansion of rail and port facilities, and the creation of over 2,000 new jobs during peak construction.
“This is a vote of confidence in the people of Liberia and in the country’s future,” Vandermerwe said.
When completed, the new plant will enable AML to process high-grade iron ore locally, boosting government revenue and adding value to Liberia’s natural resources.
A Responsible Model for African Mining
As the global focus sharpens on sustainability and responsible mining, Vandermerwe stressed AML’s commitment to environmental protection, safety, and compliance with Liberian law.
“We work closely with the EPA, FDA, and local environmental officers,” he noted, highlighting investments in reforestation, biodiversity protection, and alternative livelihoods for local communities.
The celebration ended with cultural performances, tree planting, and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque — a symbol of AML’s enduring presence in Liberia.
“We didn’t come to Liberia for the short term,” Vandermerwe concluded. “We came to stay. We came to grow. And we came to build — with Liberians, for Liberia.”
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