Grand Bassa County – At the end of Liberia’s civil war, Arcelor Mittal begin the first largest investment to its trust fragile state with huge investment worth millions of United States Dollars.
The company begun operation in 2005 in Nimba County where its main operational site is located and have since used to the port of Buchanan in Grand Bassa County to transport its iron ore.
Like many other companies around the world, the world steel giant has had its fair share of challenges leading to decline in prices of its mineral and dissatisfaction from the communities in which it operates but it has stood as a beacon of hope for many.
In communities affected by its operations, Arcelor Mittal has made significant impact in education, health and other infrastructures as it looks to expand its investments in Liberia.
Today, Mittal remains one of the highest contributors to Liberia’s ongoing rebuilding process through taxes and employment opportunities provided for citizens.
AML’s Expansion & Third MDA
There is currently ongoing discussion for the Extension of Arcelor-Mittal Liberia’s Investment and Approval of its Third Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
Mittal is certain that with a new Mineral Development Agreement which leads to expansion, there is be over 2,000 new jobs created, providing much-needed employment and reducing Liberia’s unemployment rate.
With the new MDA and expansion mission, the company is also certain it will generate $200 million in annual revenue, further contributing to national economic growth.
This new agreement if considered, AML’s authority say it will facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art ore concentrator, which will add value to Liberia’s iron ore and boost the local economy and further upgrade the port and rail infrastructure, strengthening Liberia’s transport backbone and facilitating more efficient movement of goods.
Grand Bassa Agrees
On Saturday March 22, 2025, several Bassa people including chiefs, elders, women and youth gathered on the Civil Compound of Wee Statutory District in Grand Bassa to give their consent to the new Mineral Development Agreement and Expansion of Arcelor Mittal’s operations in Liberia.
These Bassa population is certain the expansion and granting of a new MDA will lead to economic survivability for residents of the county and adjacent counties.
In their endorsement statement, Grand Bassa County said “we want to say that we support the decision of the government to allow ArcelorMittal to expand and we want the government to make sure that the company and many other companies continue to be with us. Our decision for this endorsement is driven by the numerous contributions that AML has made to Liberia’s economic situation and its ongoing role as a driver of social progress across Liberia.”
Ms. Glady Gueh reading the endorsement statement on behalf of her people noted that while no investment project is without its challenges, the people of the county acknowledged that Mittal has always demonstrated willingness to sit-down their leaders and the local particularly when there is a problem or disagreement.
“We the people in these affected communities are aware that not all provisions of the current Mineral Development Agreement have been fully met, but we recognize the company and our government’s ongoing commitment to resolving issues in a manner that benefits all parties especially those of us in communities. But like our old people say there is no to getting things in place is not a one-day thing, it is a work in progress, and we remain hopeful that with dialogue, solutions will be reached for the betterment of all.” She noted.
Call for Increase Benefits
Amid ongoing discussion about the company’s third mineral development agreement and its expansion couple with the endorsement, the people of Grand Bassa are looking forward for increment in the county social development fund, creation of more job opportunities for residents, skills development and scholarship opportunities and community infrastructure development.
In their endorsement statement, the people of Grand Bassa County called for the annual social development fund for Grand Bassa County to be raised to $2,000,000 for more community projects, including the construction of modern schools, hospitals, and essential infrastructure.
They want AML should prioritize employment opportunities for host community residents, and ensure that there is access to jobs arising from this expansion.
“AML must expand technical and vocational training programs by establishing a VTC-style center like the one in Yekepa to Buchanan. The center will empower our children with the skills needed to get employment and earn money.”
According to the statement, AML should continue investing in key community infrastructure, including roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions, to elevate living standards for residents.
“We need more local and international scholarships to enable the children and young people of Grand Bassa, particularly those from the directly affected communities to pursue high school, bachelor’s, master’s degrees, and advanced training.”
Recently, similar endorsement was done by chiefs, elders and residents of Nimba County with similar call for increment in benefits for them.
