Published: September 17, 2025
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County — ArcelorMittal Liberia has begun constructing a departure rail siding extension along its Buchanan rail line, a key part of the company’s Phase II expansion project aimed at quadrupling ore transport capacity.
The project, running between Kilometer 2.5 and Kilometer 4, will allow two trains to be prepared for departure simultaneously, enabling the company to move both direct shipment ore and concentrated iron ore more efficiently.
“This siding extension will significantly improve our operations,” said Seikor P. Flomo, a young Liberian engineer from Grand Bassa overseeing the works. “We are building a formation to accommodate two tracks with a service road, and the work is being executed by WBHO, an international engineering contractor.”
Strategic Expansion
The rail upgrade is central to ArcelorMittal’s Phase II transition from producing and shipping 5 million metric tons of ore annually to 20 million tons. Construction began in January and is expected to conclude in December 2025.
The broader Phase II expansion, with a concentrator plant capable of producing 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate, is widely seen as transformative. The concentrator is scheduled for commissioning in late 2024, alongside major upgrades to the rail and port infrastructure.
Economic and Social Impact
ArcelorMittal said the project is being executed to international health, safety and environmental standards. The company’s Health, Safety and Environment team is working closely with contractors to enforce compliance.
Beyond boosting operations, the project is expected to benefit Liberia’s wider economy. Infrastructure improvements, including road development, are being carried out in parallel, while the construction phase has already created jobs for local communities. Once operational, the new concentrator is expected to create more employment opportunities and deepen skills transfer.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has pledged to expand local representation across its workforce and invest in capacity building through the ArcelorMittal Training Academy.
National Significance
Executives say the expansion will strengthen Liberia’s role as an emerging hub for modern mining and infrastructure in West Africa.
“This is not just about ArcelorMittal,” Flomo said. “It is about strengthening Liberia’s rail sector and positioning the country for greater investment.”
The Phase II project is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Liberia’s economic development, with its completion expected to cement the country’s place in the global iron ore market.
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