ArcelorMittal inaugurates world-class iron ore concentrator

By Stephen G Fellajuah

Yekepa, Nimba County, June 6, 2025: ArcelorMittal Liberia has commissioned the country’s first-ever world-class iron ore concentrator plant, marking a major milestone in the company’s Phase II expansion and a transformative step for Liberia’s mining sector.

The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, in Tokadeh, Nimba County. It was graced by President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, who called on all Liberians, especially those in concession areas, to embrace the investment and its long-term benefits for the nation.

“This event is a joyous occasion. It demonstrates confidence in Liberia’s potential and future,” President Boakai said, expressing gratitude to ArcelorMittal and the local communities that have supported the project.

Preside Boakai and Arcelor Mittal Executive Lakshmi cutting the ribbon.

He stressed the importance of stability and urged all parties to uphold the agreements that ensure the project’s gains directly benefit the Liberian people.

The ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting by President Boakai, followed by a demonstrative test of the new concentrator. The event drew a broad audience, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, local leaders, and ArcelorMittal staff.

ArcelorMittal’s Executive Chairman, Lakshmi Mittal, presented the company’s progress and business plan to the President. He underscored the company’s growing investment portfolio, now exceeding US$3 billion, and praised the strong trust and collaboration between ArcelorMittal and the Liberian government.

“No other investor has matched ArcelorMittal’s level of commitment,” Mittal said, expressing confidence in President Boakai’s leadership and the future of Liberia’s economy.

The commissioning of the concentrator signifies a major industrial achievement for Liberia: the first-ever domestic production of high-grade iron ore concentrate. This leap in value-added mineral processing positions Liberia more competitively in the global mining industry.

As part of the $3 billion Phase II Expansion Project, ArcelorMittal plans to quadruple production, from 5 million to 20 million tonnes of iron ore per year. The expansion is expected to create over 5,000 construction jobs and 1,200 permanent positions, providing a major boost to employment in a country with one of the highest jobless rates globally.

Increased government revenue is another significant outcome. Annual payments from ArcelorMittal are projected to rise from $35 million to $125 million, injecting vital funds into Liberia’s national development efforts.

An $800 million upgrade to Liberia’s 243-kilometer heavy-haul railway, linking Yekepa to the Port of Buchanan, is also underway. Upgraded to U.S. standards, the railway will support higher volumes of iron ore while improving transportation, connectivity, and trade along the corridor.

Beyond infrastructure, ArcelorMittal is investing in long-term human capital development. The company has rehabilitated schools, supported educational initiatives, and offers tuition-free, internationally accredited training through its Young Professionals Program.

A recent milestone saw 236 young Liberians employed at the concentrator, including 108 Process Operator Learners and 128 graduates of the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy, underscoring the company’s commitment to empowering local talent.

Since it began operations in Liberia in 2005, ArcelorMittal has become the country’s largest foreign investor and private-sector employer. The company’s consistent tax contributions, infrastructure projects, and community partnerships have cemented its role as a key player in Liberia’s post-conflict development.

As the country celebrates this historic inauguration, ArcelorMittal is seen not merely as a mining giant, but as a strategic partner in Liberia’s journey toward economic resilience, industrial growth, and inclusive progress.

The launch of the concentrator symbolizes more than technological advancement, it tells a story of national determination, public-private collaboration, and the power of shared vision. It is a beacon of what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity.

As the sun rose over Yekepa on June 5, it illuminated not just a new facility but the renewed hope and potential of a nation ready to rise.