Published: December 8, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia – Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. says several major concession agreements—including those involving Ivanhoe, ORANTO Petroleum, and ArcelorMittal—fall short of legal and procedural standards, vowing he will not support any deal that does not meet strict compliance benchmarks intended to protect citizens and national interests.
The Office of Senator Twayen announced that after a comprehensive review of the agreements currently before national authorities, none of the evaluated deals met the 85-percent compliance threshold required for his legislative support.
“Our focus remains the same: full compliance with the laws of Liberia, respect for established procedures, and protection of the interests of our people,” the Senator stated.
Ivanhoe Agreement Scores 77%
Senator Twayen said the Ivanhoe Concession Access Agreement reached a 77-percent compliance rating—insufficient for approval.
“To move this agreement forward, certain conditions must be met,” he said, stressing that the iron ore transport road from Nimba to the Guinea border must be paved and that the government must not be liable for repaying the US$37 million previously received due to any delays in ratification.
He added that a clear rail operations plan involving the government, Ivanhoe and ArcelorMittal must be presented, along with a transparent community development fund that remains fully under government and community control.
ORANTO Petroleum Scores 72%
The Senator said ORANTO Petroleum scored 72 percent, noting that the company must address several key issues before receiving any support.
He insisted ORANTO must purchase fresh seismic data for the four oil blocks rather than rely on decade-old data. “New data will bring in US$200,000 per block—US$800,000 in total—to the government,” he noted.
He also rejected any arrangement that delays Liberia’s 25-percent stake based on long-term investment fund mobilization, and demanded evidence of active offshore operations in other countries to verify the company’s capacity.
Awaiting ArcelorMittal Agreement
Senator Twayen said the Legislature has received no new agreement from ArcelorMittal Liberia, though his office has documented months of noncompliance under the existing Mineral Development Agreement.
“These findings have been formally shared with the President and the Nimba Legislative Caucus,” he said. Detailed reports have also been submitted to the Senate and relevant committees.
He emphasized that AML must “fully honor and retroactively implement the obligations it has already violated” before lawmakers consider any new agreement.
Twayen Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability
The Senator said his office will continue advocating for fairness, accountability and the rights of affected communities.
“The resources of Liberia belong to the people of Liberia, and every concession must reflect that principle,” he declared.
Discussion about this post