Published: January 14, 2026
CAPITOL HILL, Monrovia — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has submitted to the National Legislature the Third Amendment to the ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), urging lawmakers to swiftly ratify the instrument, which he said is central to Liberia’s economic recovery, job creation and long-term infrastructure development.
The submission was read Tuesday during the first day sitting of the House of Representatives’ Third Session. Boakai said the revised agreement aligns with his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, which prioritizes agriculture, roads, rule of law, education, sanitation and tourism as drivers of national growth.
“The ratification of this agreement is critical to addressing the social and economic development needs of our country,” Boakai told lawmakers, adding that the deal would broaden Liberia’s fiscal space while delivering tangible benefits to communities affected by mining operations.
Boakai said the Third Amendment, signed Dec. 20, 2025, resets the MDA by consolidating all previous amendments into a single, fully revised agreement between the Government of Liberia, ArcelorMittal Liberia Holdings Limited, ArcelorMittal USA Liberia Holdings LLC and affiliated entities. The original MDA was signed in 2005 and amended in 2006 and 2013.
A key feature of the revised agreement is an upfront payment of US$200 million to the Government of Liberia upon ratification—revenue officials say has already been factored into the national budget to support priority spending.
Boakai also said the deal strengthens Liberia’s control over strategic infrastructure, particularly the Yekepa-to-Buchanan rail corridor. Under new Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP), the government would gain the right to establish a multi-user rail regime, ensuring non-discriminatory access and setting the foundation for an independent, government-regulated rail authority by 2030.
“This is consistent with Liberia’s long-term vision of a national, multi-user rail system,” the President said.
Under the proposed amendment, AML’s concession term would be extended to Dec. 20, 2050, with an option for renewal. The company would also commit to expanding iron ore production from 15 million wet metric tons per year by 2027 to 20 million by 2031, and up to 30 million metric tons annually thereafter, according to the submission.
In addition to the upfront payment, the amendment increases the annual mining license fee tenfold—from US$50,000 to US$500,000—and expands required community benefits. AML would be mandated to contribute US$5 million annually to a Community Development Fund for towns and villages within its operational footprint.
Planned community projects include rehabilitation of key bridges and roads in Grand Bassa County, including the KM 2.5 Bridge linking Buchanan’s city center to concession areas, repairs to the St. John River Bridge connecting Grand Bassa and River Cess counties, and the establishment of a vocational training center in Buchanan to strengthen technical skills development. Failure to implement agreed social infrastructure projects could trigger additional annual penalties of up to US$500,000.
The revised deal also sets localization targets, requiring qualified Liberians to occupy 50% of senior management positions within three years, 75% of professional and technical roles within five years, and 90% within 10 years, in line with Liberia’s labor laws. AML would also be required to prioritize local procurement and invest at least US$500,000 annually in education and skills training programs.
“This agreement represents a significant advancement in infrastructure modernization, community empowerment, and inclusive economic growth,” Boakai said, urging lawmakers to act “in the national interest.”
Following the reading, the House Plenary voted to refer the agreement for joint review by the Committees on Concessions (lead), Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, and Judiciary, with instructions to report back within two weeks.
Several lawmakers welcomed the submission, citing the agreement’s potential to boost employment and revenue, but stressed that the Legislature must conduct a thorough review, including expert consultation and engagement with affected county caucuses.
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