Liberian News: ARCELORMITTAL SPRINGS FURTHER
-COMPANY PRESIDENT CALLS $1.4 BILLION PLANT “THE BEGINNING”
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Monrovia-In a highly and historically significant move to enhance Liberia’s mining sector and fortify economic growth, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Thursday commissioned ArcelorMittal Liberia’s new up-to-the-minute Concentrator Plant.
The US$1.4 billion Concentrator Plant situated at the Mt. Tokadeh Mining Site in Yekepa, Nimba County is seen as a huge spring in the Company’s investment portfolio in Liberia.
It is the central component of ArcelorMittal’s US$1.8 billion expansion project in Liberia – bringing ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Liberia to date to approximately US$3 billion – which will see production increase from current levels of 5 million tonnes of iron ore a year, to 20 million tonnes, the company said.
ArcelorMittal began operations in the country over a decade ago following the signing of a Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Liberian Government, to mine iron ore in Nimba County at the site once operated by LAMCO.
The company’s investment totaling billions of dollars has brought huge both socio-economic and infrastructural developments to the country, especially the host Counties of Nimba, Grand Bassa.
The high-profile ceremony was graced by ArcelorMittal’sExecutive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, who arrived in Liberia to mark the significant milestone.
The commissioning of the concentrator plant is also classified as a transformative phase in ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, aimed at transitioning from direct shipping ore (DSO) to high-grade concentrate production.
President Boakai who graced the red-lettered occasion said the Plant is a testament of the Company’s long-term commitment to Liberia’s development, emphasizing that the new plant aligns with his administration’s ARREST Agenda particularly in the area of revitalizing the economy and infrastructure through strategic partnerships.
The President called on citizens to embrace the company’s investment, saying it means a lot to many people.
He said he was happy to launch the massive project, adding “We just want to say to all of you, thank you and embrace the project; we do not want any disruption.”
The state-of-the-art concentrator is expected to significantly transform Liberia’s iron ore production by enabling the processing of low-grade ore into high-grade concentrate on-site—something that previously had to be done abroad.
Once operational, the plant will not only boost export volumes but also increase revenue, create over 6,000 direct and indirect jobs, and spur local economic growth in Nimba and beyond.
AML says the concentrator represents a shift from raw ore exports to value-added processing—enhancing efficiency, increasing ore quality, and strengthening Liberia’s position in the global iron ore market.
Today’s commissioning also signals the start of the next phase of ArcelorMittal’s expansion, with broader implications for infrastructure development, including rail and port upgrades.
Also, AML President Mr. Lakshmi Mittal was upbeat about the milestone, declaring “Today is just the beginning of the major project.”
He said the Company could not have spent $3 billion when they never had the trust of the Liberian government and people, adding “We need the support of your government and I.”
“This plant represents more than steel and machinery. It is a symbol of Liberia’s potential, our growing economic capacity, and a testament to our ability to host world-class industrial operations,” the President stated.
The concentrator plant is expected to significantly increase production output, improve value addition to Liberia’s natural resources, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country. It will also enable Liberia to move up the value chain in global iron ore exports.
Mr. Lakshmi Mittal praised the Liberian government’s support and assured continued investment in Liberia. “This project reflects our strong belief in Liberia’s future and our commitment to being a reliable development partner,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, local leaders, ArcelorMittal staff, and community representatives, all of whom hailed the plant’s commissioning as a turning point in the region’s socio-economic transformation.
As the massive facility roars to life, it is expected to reshape the landscape of Yekepa and serve as a powerful engine of growth, aligning with national goals for industrial development, job creation, and sustainable mining.
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.
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