NATIONAL NEWS
CAPITOL HILL – In a major win for Liberia’s economic and strategic interests, the House of Representatives has passed the Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with global steel giant ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), describing the move as “being in the interest of the Liberian people.”
The approval follows a comprehensive report by the Joint Committee on Investment and Concessions, Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, and Judiciary, delivered to the House by Committee Chairman Representative Foday E. Fahnbulleh on January 20, 2026.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Prior to the House vote, the joint committee conducted public hearings on January 19, examining the amendment’s alignment with national values, economic priorities, and Liberia’s long-term strategic interests.
Ministries involved in the deliberations included Justice, Mines and Energy, Finance and Development Planning, Labor, and the National Investment Commission.
Key Benefits for Liberia
The committee concluded that the Third Amendment represents a major improvement over the previous MDA. Highlights include:
- Government Revenue & Strategic Assets: Affirmation of government ownership of rail and port infrastructure, introduction of Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) for a multi-user rail corridor, and stronger regulatory and enforcement mechanisms.
- Immediate and Recurring Revenues: A US$200 million signature bonus, US$5 million annual Community Development Fund, increased mining license fees, and improved royalty payments.
- Employment & Skills Development: Increased Liberian participation at management and professional levels, vocational training, scholarships, and annual workforce training contributions.
- Infrastructure & Environment: Prioritized modernization of roads, bridges, and railways, guaranteed third-party rail access, and strengthened environmental safeguards, including water-use protections and annual contributions to the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation.
“The Third Amendment is a balanced, forward-looking, and nationally beneficial instrument that strengthens Liberia’s control over strategic assets while promoting responsible investment,” the committee report said.
After hours of robust debate, Plenary endorsed the committee’s findings in full and passed the amendment without reservation.
The approved agreement has now been forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
This landmark decision marks a significant step in Liberia’s drive to secure stronger economic benefits from its mineral resources, modernize critical infrastructure, create employment opportunities, and ensure responsible corporate investment for national development.
