Arcelor Mittal: Investing in People: ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Commitment to Employee Growth and Success

YEKEPA-In its continuous drive to foster employee growth and maintain a positive work environment, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is making it clear that its workforce is the backbone of the company’s success.

Employees across the company have embraced capacity-building initiatives to nurture talent, promote advancement, and ensure long-term success for the company and its people.

ArcelorMittal Liberia recognizes that its employees are its most valuable asset. The company’s robust employee relations policy has been crafted to foster a productive, respectful, and trust-based working environment. This approach, combined with a focus on development and growth, has made AML a leader in workplace relations within Liberia’s mining sector.

One standout example of this commitment is Jallah Selmah, the principal deputy to the Mine Manager at AML. Selmah plays a crucial role in overseeing the operational and administrative management of the mining sites at Mounts Gangra and Yuelliton in Nimba County.

His daily responsibilities include ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, environmental, and production standards, vital to the company’s smooth operations.

Selmah’s journey with ArcelorMittal Liberia began during the rehabilitation of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway by Odebrecht Construction International, where he served as Superintendent for Road Bridges and Culverts.

The successful completion of the railway project led to Selmah being recruited by AML, where he has steadily risen through the ranks.

Though transitioning from construction engineering to mining posed challenges, Selmah’s determination paid off. In 2011, he was named “Employee of the Year” and promoted to Mine Infrastructure Superintendent.

By 2014, he had advanced to Assistant Mine Manager and, on several occasions, stepped in as Acting Mine Manager, successfully meeting the company’s production targets. Recognized as a “High Potential” employee, Selmah was awarded a fully funded international scholarship by AML to pursue mining engineering studies at the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana.

This level of investment in employee development is not unique to Selmah. ArcelorMittal Liberia has demonstrated a consistent commitment to growing its workforce from within, providing ample training opportunities and resources to ensure that employees are equipped to take on leadership roles.

According to the company’s website, “Maintaining good relationships with employees is an important part of ensuring our company’s continued success.”

Preparing the Workforce for Leadership

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s approach to staff development is forward-looking. The company’s succession planning initiatives focus on preparing employees for future responsibilities, creating pathways for career advancement, and ensuring long-term business sustainability. “Given the rapid growth of ArcelorMittal Liberia, it is essential to make sure our employees are given appropriate educational opportunities to meet their responsibilities and advance their careers,” the company states.

One of the ways AML ensures continuous learning is through its annual training workshops. New hires and contractors participate in a two-day general site induction training, where they learn about safety standards, company policies, and human rights practices. These sessions align employees with ArcelorMittal Liberia’s core values, promoting a culture of integrity and best practices across its operations.

Success Stories: Edwin Tokpa’s Rise to Rail Operations Manager

Another shining example of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s commitment to employee growth is Edwin Tokpa, the current Rail Operations Manager. Tokpa’s career is a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and the opportunities provided by AML. Starting as a civil engineering graduate working for Odebrecht Construction International on the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, Tokpa was soon noticed for his engineering prowess and commitment to excellence.

Upon the railway’s successful completion, Tokpa was offered a full-time position at ArcelorMittal Liberia as a Dispatch Superintendent. Through hard work and AML’s support for local talent development, Tokpa quickly rose through the ranks, first serving as Training Operations Manager before assuming his current role. His career trajectory reflects ArcelorMittal Liberia’s broader focus on empowering Liberian professionals to take on leadership roles within the company.

For Tokpa, like many others at AML, the company’s investment in his professional development has been instrumental in his success. By providing the necessary training and resources, ArcelorMittal Liberia ensures that employees like Tokpa can excel in specialized fields such as rail operations. This approach has positioned the company as a leader in fostering long-term career growth for Liberians in the mining industry.

A Philosophy of Growth and Success

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment in its workforce extends beyond just job training. It is part of a larger philosophy that emphasizes the importance of employee relations to overall business success. Across its operations, AML demonstrates that positive relationships with employees are not just a corporate statement but a guiding principle that impacts the company’s bottom line.

Through comprehensive development programs, succession planning, and ongoing training initiatives, ArcelorMittal Liberia is building a future where its employees are empowered to lead—and in doing so, ensuring the company’s continued success in Liberia’s mining industry.

New Republic Liberia

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.