By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA – Global steel giant ArcelorMittal (AML) has officially inaugurated a 20-million tonne capacity concentrator, a central component of the company’s $1.8 billion Phase II expansion project in Liberia.
This milestone brings ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Liberia to $3 billion and marks a significant production increase—from the current 5 million tonnes of iron ore annually to 20 million tonnes.
According to AML, the new concentrator will significantly improve the quality of its iron ore, producing higher-grade and higher-value output.
The expansion also includes substantial investment in supporting infrastructure. The railway from Tokadeh to Buchanan is undergoing upgrades, and a new pier has been added at the Port of Buchanan, alongside enhanced material handling systems.
To support these developments, AML has engaged 5,000 contractors in addition to its existing workforce of 2,000 permanent employees in Liberia.
President Boakai
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Liberian President Joseph Boakai praised ArcelorMittal for its continued investment in Liberia since 2005.
He described the expansion as a strong indicator of growing investor confidence in the country’s stability and future.
“This level of investment is a testament to the increasing confidence in the security and well-being of the state, as well as the current and future direction of Liberia’s investment climate,” President Boakai stated.
Economic Impact
President Boakai emphasized that AML’s expanded operations will offer much-needed economic relief and contribute to job creation.
“This brings great relief to our economy, especially in the area of job creation. We are informed that this project has already created over 5,000 on-site construction jobs and is expected to generate 1,000 permanent roles upon completion,” he added.
The President commended ArcelorMittal for what he called a “bold and courageous step” and urged the company to continue its work on other major infrastructure initiatives, including railway upgrades, port improvements, and power plant installations.
“No doubt, such a significant expansion augurs well for strengthening the corporate social responsibility envelope, thereby positively impacting health, education, commerce, and employment.”
Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal
Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, addressed the gathering, highlighting the long-term impact of the new concentrator.
“This state-of-the-art concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia. It will quadruple our capabilities from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, continue to provide jobs for thousands of Liberians, and make an important contribution to Liberia’s economic prosperity.”
He emphasized ArcelorMittal’s pride in its two decades of contribution to Liberia’s development, including infrastructure upgrades such as roads, townships, and power generation facilities.
“We are very proud of the contribution we have made to this country over the last 20 years. We very much enjoy being part of the community and take our responsibility to the country and its people very seriously.”
Mittal thanked all stakeholders for their dedication to the project and described it as a pivotal step for the future of Liberia.
Future Expansion Plans
ArcelorMittal also announced its ambitions to further expand its operations in Liberia.
The company is developing plans to increase production capacity to 30 million tonnes annually and is exploring options to produce Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)-quality concentrate.
“The current expansion has been designed with future growth in mind. The railway upgrades already enable it to transport up to 30 million tonnes of iron ore per year,” AML stated in a press release following the commissioning ceremony.
