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MONROVIA-Nimba Kwado Liberia, Inc., a leading civil society organization dedicated to the interest of its members and Nimba citizens, concluded a comprehensive five-day fact-finding mission (December 10–14, 2025) to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) mining sites, training facilities, and fence-line communities.
Led by National President J. Randall Farngalo, the delegation conducted a rigorous assessment of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) implementation, focusing on safety, employment equity, infrastructure, and the socio-economic impact on local residents.
KEY FINDINGS AND OBSERVATIONS
- Infrastructure and Operations
The team toured the Yekepa mines, processing sites, and the construction of the “Giding Wall,” a major rock barrier designed to separate mining areas from local communities and facilitate water processing. While AML has initiated significant renovations in areas like the Area ‘R’ and the Golf Club, the team noted that housing in Area F are yet to be worked on.
- Employment and Training Disparities
AML’s Vocational Training Academy has successfully trained 340 candidates—increasingly prioritizing those from Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa. However, there is an urgent need to expand the training opportunity beyond AML employment need to equipping youth to become entrepreneurs at different levels outside the company’s operations.
Managerial Representation: It was observed that Nimbaians are underrepresented in managerial positions, as many pursue government roles rather than striving for career advancement within the company.
The “Skills Gap”: Mass failures in vocational entrance exams are linked to poor math and science foundations in local high schools.
University-to-Work Pipeline: Despite AML providing $50,000 annually to the Nimba University College of Engineering and Geo-Sciences, only 11 out of over 100 graduates have been employed by the company.
- Health and Community Impact
The mission uncovered critical delays in the relocation of G.W. Harley Hospital. While AML has fulfilled its $2 million obligation to the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE), the Government of Liberia has yet to meet its financial commitments. Concerns were also raised regarding substandard construction sketches and the lack of a project blueprint for health officials. Furthermore, the Gbarpa Clinic remains closed as it does not yet meet Ministry of Health standards.
- Environmental and Social Concerns
The team noted that unauthorized mining activities persist in various locations near ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operational areas, which the company cannot effectively regulate. These illicit miners employ chemical substances in their operations, posing challenges that ArcelorMittal Liberia is unable to mitigate. Additionally, the team noted that mining operations have significantly disrupted traditional cultural activities and access to forest products for fence-line dwellers.
STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Nimba Kwado Liberia, Inc. calls for immediate action from both ArcelorMittal Liberia and the Government of Liberia:
- Empower Local Education: We recommend that $300,000 from the County Social Development Fund be allocated annually to the College of Engineering and Geo-Sciences. AML should increase its support to 100% to provide modern lab equipment and international scholarships for faculty to pursue Master’s and PhD degrees.
- Prioritize Local Hiring: AML must establish a clearer pipeline to absorb graduates from Nimba University and increase the representation of Nimbaians in managerial and medical staff positions.
- Transparency in Health Projects: The Ministry of Health must immediately release the G.W. Harley Hospital blueprint to the County Health Team and the Government should fulfill its co-financing obligations to prevent further delays in the Hospital relocation project.
- Communal Support: AML must broaden its social corporate responsibility to include robust agricultural support, water projects, and cultural preservation for communities directly impacted by the mining operations.
Statement from the President
“Our mission is to ensure that the mineral wealth of Nimba translates into tangible development for its people, while we acknowledge AML’s investments in human resource development and infrastructure, there is a gap between the graduates from Nimba University most especially the Engineering and Geo-Sciences and employment, and the government’s hold-up in healthcare funding, must be addressed immediately.” ” said J. Randall Farngalo, National President of Nimba Kwado.
The Institution remains committed to its role as an independent entity better positioned to monitor the MDA
About Nimba Kwado Liberia, Inc.:
Nimba Kwado is a premier civil society organization committed to advocating for the rights, development, and social welfare of the citizens of Nimba County, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources.
Office of the National President
Nimba Kwado Liberia, Inc.
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.