Published: March 17, 2025
MONROVIA – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the country’s leading steel producer, is doubling down on its commitment to Liberia’s economic future, announcing a staggering $2.5 billion investment in the mining sector as it celebrates 20 years of operations.
The milestone, marked by a grand event on Saturday, March 15, 2025, underscored the company’s vast contributions to infrastructure, employment, and national revenue generation over the past two decades. AML’s expansion is poised to significantly boost government earnings and local employment, reinforcing its role as a key driver of Liberia’s economic transformation.
Economic Contributions and Employment Impact
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Chief Executive Officer, Michiel Van Der Merwe, highlighted the company’s substantial impact, revealing that government revenue from AML is projected to surge from $35 million to $200 million annually with the Phase II Expansion Project.
The company currently provides over 2,100 direct jobs, with an estimated 5,300 additional jobs created indirectly. A testament to AML’s job creation efforts, more than 1,000 Liberians were employed in a single rail remediation project, demonstrating its commitment to local employment.
Commitment to Education and Workforce Development
Beyond mining, AML has played a pivotal role in education and workforce development. The company has facilitated education for more than 1,000 Liberian children, rehabilitated educational infrastructure with a $7 million investment, and offered tuition-free, internationally certified training programs. Through its Young Professionals Program, AML has successfully transitioned nearly all of its interns into full-time employees, providing critical career opportunities for young Liberians.
Infrastructure Development and Responsible Mining
AML has invested $800 million in developing a 243km heavy-haul railway, enhancing the transportation of bulk commodities and improving logistics for mining operations. Built to U.S. heavy-haul standards, the railway is expected to significantly boost efficiency while aligning with Liberia’s broader infrastructure ambitions.
The company also reaffirmed its dedication to responsible mining, pledging to uphold environmental sustainability and maintain strong partnerships with local communities to ensure long-term ecological balance.
Government and Community Engagement
The anniversary celebration brought together key government officials, including Grand Bassa County Senator Gbehzohngar Milton Findley, who reflected on the company’s journey and urged continued collaboration.
“All of those good and bad times have been in the interest of the people of Liberia,” Findley noted, calling on AML to remain committed to its goals while prioritizing the well-being of the nation’s citizens. He assured the company of the government’s ongoing support to foster a mutually beneficial partnership.
Nimba County Superintendent, Madam Kou Meapeh Gono, congratulated AML on its achievements but emphasized the need for greater community involvement in future agreements. She urged the Nimba Legislative Caucus to ensure that local leaders and affected communities play a role in Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) negotiations to avoid future disputes.
“We are optimistic that the project expansion will accelerate economic and developmental growth in Nimba County, allowing us to take pride in its contributions,” she stated, emphasizing the need for direct community benefits from AML’s expansion.
Madam Gono also disclosed recent discussions with AML’s management, reiterating her administration’s commitment to ensuring that all agreed-upon developments are implemented effectively.
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