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ArcelorMittal Liberia says it welcomes the recent fact-finding visit by the Joint Senate Committee on MDA Compliance to its Yekepa Concession (Tokadeh and Yekepa), describing the engagement as a reaffirmation of the company’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of corporate governance.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Friday, September 26, 2025: “We affirm our full compliance with the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and take pride in our ongoing contributions to Liberia’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and community investment,” the company noted in a statement on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The company added that it remains open to the Committee’s observations and recommendations and looks forward to continue constructive collaboration with all stakeholders.
In the same statement, AML addressed what it called misinformation circulating online regarding the cost of its ongoing Phase II Expansion Project, also known as the concentrator phase. The company clarified that the initiative represents one of the most significant post-war private sector investments in Liberia.
“For the record, the cost of the currently ongoing phase of the Project is approximately US$1.8 billion,” AML stated, “which includes construction of a world-class concentrator plant, major upgrade and expansion of capacity of rail and port infrastructure, new train unloading facility, and a tailings storage facility.”
Other investments include a 100 MGW power plant at both Tokadeh and Buchanan, material handling facilities in both locations, all associated auxiliary infrastructure, and incremental capital to expand production capacity to 20 million tons of iron ore per year.
The statement further noted: “In parallel, we are creating substantial local employment opportunities for over 7,500 Liberians (directly and indirectly) and investing in skills development programs for Liberians.”
AML emphasized that the expanded investment reflects its long-term commitment to delivering lasting benefits to Liberia and its people. It reaffirmed that the Phase II Expansion remains on track, in close partnership with the Government of Liberia and other stakeholders.
The Joint Legislative Committee on Mineral Development Agreements (MDA), which conducted the site visit, clarified that its mission was part of its statutory duty to inspect AML’s operations and verify compliance with the Mineral Development Agreement.
Committee members stressed that the visit was a fact-finding endeavor, not a luxury tour, asserting that members of the Legislature have a constitutional responsibility to ensure AML is meeting its obligations.
In response to critical comments made by Senator Nya D. Twanyen, the committee rejected the suggestion that lawmakers should approach AML with hostility.
While acknowledging AML’s position as Liberia’s largest private investor and employer, the committee insisted that accountability must be pursued through “firm, constructive oversight.”
Engagement must be achieved through firm, constructive oversight, rather than destructive confrontation, the committee stated.
The senators also highlighted the company’s job impact, stating AML currently provides over 5,000 jobs across Liberia, with many more projected under the company’s Phase II expansion plan.
Citing President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who recently commissioned AML’s new iron ore concentrator, the committee reiterated the importance of dialogue in resolving challenges around concession agreements.
“There will always be issues with concessions,” the senators quoted President Boakai as saying, “but stakeholders must sit around the table and solve them through dialogue.” They added that “Liberia’s image must be protected.”
During a recent Senate hearing, AML management reportedly admitted to failing to meet several key obligations under the MDA, including commitments related to infrastructure and community development.
In response, the committee urged all members of the Legislature to stand united in advocating for better outcomes from concession agreements.
They also extended an olive branch to Senator Twanyen.
“We call on Senator Twanyen to join our efforts as a fellow representative of the people,” they said, encouraging “face-to-face dialogue and mutual respect rather than divisive online accusations.”
Committee Chairman Senator Numene T.H. Bartekwa and Co-Chair Senator Simeon B. Taylor co-signed the committee’s statement.
Concluding their statement, the Joint Committee reiterated its commitment to transparency and development.
“We are in Nimba, on the ground, because we are serious about hearing from local communities and seeing for ourselves what AML has delivered, and what it hasn’t,” they said.
ArcelorMittal Liberia, one of the country’s largest foreign investors, signed its initial Mineral Development Agreement in 2005. While the agreement has since been amended, it continues to draw scrutiny, especially in relation to community development funding, environmental compliance, and infrastructure delivery. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah
