ArcelorMittal Liberia Celebrates 20 Years with $2 Billion…

ArcelorMittal Liberia celebrates its 20th anniversary with a $2 billion Phase II Expansion, boosting iron ore production to 15 MTPA and creating thousands of jobs. Key infrastructure upgrades, including an $800 million railway investment, are part of the initiative. AML aims to enhance its operations and cement Liberia’s position in the global iron ore market while prioritizing community development and corporate responsibility.

ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is commemorating 20 years of operations in Liberia by initiating a substantial $2 billion Phase II Expansion Project. This initiative aims to raise iron ore production from five million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with 75% of the output being a blended product. Significant infrastructure enhancements, particularly an $800 million investment in the country’s heavy-haul railway system, will accompany the expansion.

During the anniversary event at Invincible Park, Monrovia, AML CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe declared 2025 as a crucial year for expanding operations in Liberia. He emphasized the company’s strong ties with the country, expressing a sense of belonging. Van Der Merwe affirmed that the expansion is integral to mining practices that ensure community development and capacity building while aligning with responsible corporate governance.

Furthermore, AML’s expansion will include the establishment of a concentrator, essential for optimizing investments made over the past two decades. The company aims to enhance its railway operations to transport 20 million tons of iron ore annually, upgrading infrastructure, including new rails and sleepers to improve efficiency.

The expansion is projected to create over 5,000 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent positions for Liberians. AML has notably revitalized the mining sector in Liberia since its inception in 2005, contributing to regional positions in the iron ore market while restoring critical infrastructure damaged during the civil war.

Under Van Der Merwe’s leadership, AML is focused on implementing a modern iron ore processing plant in Zolowee Town, thereby increasing the value of Liberia’s iron ore for export. This initiative aligns with AML’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, demonstrated through its support of local education and community development projects.

Economically, AML’s investment is anticipated to create approximately 1,000 new permanent jobs, 2,000 temporary construction jobs, and generate increased government revenue, significantly enhancing Liberia’s economic landscape. As the nation’s largest private sector employer, AML has invested a staggering $2.5 billion in Liberia to date.

A vital aspect of the expansion involves modernizing the 243-kilometer heavy-haul railway, with enhancements made to meet U.S. standards. This includes increasing the capacity for ore transportation and improving the railway infrastructure. AML has committed to transparent operations in coordination with the Government of Liberia, reinforcing its engagement with the local economy.

AML is dedicated to education and workforce development, providing a vocational training center and various scholarships for local students. This initiative has seen considerable success, with many beneficiaries gaining employment within the company. AML’s Phase II Expansion is not only a significant mining project but also aims to set a precedent for responsible mining practices in West Africa, committing to economic growth and long-term sustainable development for Liberia.

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II Expansion marks a significant milestone in the company’s 20-year journey in Liberia. The $2 billion investment will enhance iron ore production and modernize key infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs while contributing to the nation’s economic growth. The commitment to education and community development highlights AML’s dedication to responsible mining practices. As the project moves forward, it aims to position Liberia prominently in the global iron ore market while ensuring sustainable development in the region.

Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com