5,508 Liberians Recruited In 2025

MONROVIA–Contractor Compliance, a unit under the Human Resources and Organizational Management Department of ArcelorMittal Liberia, has released an update on progress made in 2025 regarding the recruitment of Liberians, with strong emphasis on fenceline communities.

The update follows a recruitment mandate issued in 2024 after residents of communities surrounding ArcelorMittal Liberia operations raised grievances over limited access to employment opportunities. In response, ArcelorMittal Liberia, through its Global Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Mining, Kleber Silva, directed that contractors operating under the company prioritize qualified candidates from fenceline communities for both general and skilled positions.

Since the issuance of the mandate, all contracted companies working with ArcelorMittal Liberia have been required to comply. Human resource managers of contracted firms submit vacancy announcements to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Community Relations Department, which then solicits applications from community dwellers and works with leaders of affected communities to verify applicants before recruitment.

Statistics provided by Contractor Compliance show that from January to December 2025, a total of 5,508 Liberians were recruited by contractors, accounting for 81.6 percent of the total workforce engaged during the period.

Of this figure, 3,386 were skilled workers. Data indicates that 1,851 skilled positions were filled by residents of fenceline communities, while 1,535 skilled workers were recruited from other parts of Liberia. In the unskilled labor category, 2,122 Liberians were contracted or employed, with 1,536 coming from fenceline communities and 586 from outside the immediate operational areas.

Contractor Compliance explained that the nature of employment varies, with some individuals engaged on long term contracts while others were hired for specific projects, depending on contractual arrangements between ArcelorMittal Liberia and its contractors.

The unit stressed that the recruitment approach is consistent with national labor laws and company policies, ensuring transparency, fairness, and inclusion. While fenceline communities are prioritized, recruitment remains merit based to ensure operational efficiency and safety.

ArcelorMittal Liberia says the results demonstrate its commitment to addressing community concerns, expanding local participation, and promoting responsible mining. The company has reaffirmed its intention to continue monitoring contractor compliance and strengthening collaboration with host communities.

Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia.