BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – ArcelorMittal-Liberia (AML) is set to revolutionize Liberia’s mining sector by tripling its iron ore production from 5 to 15 million tons per annum (MTPA) under its Phase II Expansion Project. The company says 75% of this output will be processed locally, a move that underscores its commitment to industrial growth and job creation in the country.
AML’s Communication Manager, Winston Daryoue, made the disclosure during a guided media tour at the company’s rail facility in Buchanan on March 13, 2025. He acknowledged that AML fell short of its 2024 production target, managing only 3.7 million tons instead of the expected 5 million. However, he assured that the Phase II Expansion will generate 1,000 permanent jobs, adding to the company’s existing workforce of 2,100 Liberians. In addition, the project will create 2,000 temporary construction jobs, providing much-needed employment opportunities.
Kleber Silva, AML’s Executive Vice President and CEO, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to Liberia’s long-term growth, stating that the expansion is a major milestone in AML’s journey. “We want to grow with Liberia and for Liberia. I’m confident that when we look back on 2025, we’ll be proud of accomplishing this remarkable project,” Silva said.
To support the production surge, AML has invested $800 million in upgrading its 243-km heavy-haul railway, bringing it to U.S. heavy-haul standards. By 2025, the railway will accommodate five daily ore wagon trains, each carrying 120 wagons. The infrastructure overhaul includes extending nine railway loops for longer trains, upgrading the WabTec rail control system, and acquiring nine new GE locomotives and 500 additional wagons. The company has also initiated a full steel sleeper replacement program, phasing out the wooden sleepers installed in 2010, while expanding the Buchanan yard with new sidings and level crossings.
AML expects its first shipment under the Phase II Expansion to leave the Buchanan port in 2026. Despite production challenges in 2024, the company has recalibrated its strategies to increase ore output and profitability.
As it celebrates 20 years of operations in Liberia, AML touts its impact on the economy. It currently provides over 2,100 direct jobs and 5,300 indirect jobs, with total investments in Liberia exceeding $2.5 billion. “ArcelorMittal is proud to celebrate 20 years in Liberia. We remain committed to transforming the mining sector while driving economic growth and community development,” Daryoue stated.
Beyond mining, AML continues to invest in education and workforce development. The company has recruited 100 young Liberians and provides local scholarships to high school students through its Community Scholarship Program. More than 1,000 students in Yekepa, Nimba County, benefit from its secondary education initiatives. The AML Young Professional Program (YPP) has offered internships to 30 university students, with most securing full-time employment. Additionally, AML has awarded 99 foreign scholarships at the master’s level to Liberian graduates in geosciences and engineering. The company has also enhanced healthcare services at its hospitals in Yekepa and Buchanan, improving medical access for employees and surrounding communities.
As one of the world’s top five iron ore producers, AML is a key player in its parent company’s global growth and decarbonization strategy. The company’s operations span exploration, mining, pelletizing, transportation, and port activities, reinforcing its role in Liberia’s industrial development. “We operate across the full value chain, ensuring responsible mining and strong community engagement,” Daryoue emphasized.
On Liberia’s multi-user rail vision, AML has expressed support for the government’s proposal to establish a shared rail system along the Buchanan Corridor. Daryoue stated that the company has agreed to the government’s Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP), which will ensure transparent and non-discriminatory rail access. He confirmed that Liberia’s Rail Authority will oversee operations, set safety standards, and conduct inspections under the new framework.
With its massive investment, workforce development programs, and infrastructure expansion, ArcelorMittal-Liberia is positioning itself as a transformative force in Liberia’s mining and economic future.
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