NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), Michiel Van Der Merwe, has hailed the recent visit of Mines and Energy Minister Wilmot Paye Murray and his delegation to the company’s operations in Nimba and Grand Bassa counties, describing the engagement as productive and reaffirming the company’s commitment to community development, workforce training and collaboration with the Liberian government.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking at the conclusion of the minister’s three-day tour of AML’s operations, Van Der Merwe said the delegation was given a firsthand look at key components of the company’s mining, rail and port infrastructure, as well as ongoing development projects in Yekepa.
“We visited Buchanan, the new port facilities and the rail workshop. We were privileged and honored to have Minister Murray and his team here on the mine,” Van Der Merwe said. “We took him to Yuelliton, to the top of Gangra where we are mining, saw the concentrator running, crushing ore, making concentrate and loading Liberia’s sinter feed product onto the train.”
The AML chief noted that the delegation also toured Yekepa Township, where extensive rehabilitation and development works are ongoing.
“I think the whole delegation was happy with the progress that has been made,” he said. “There is still a lot of work ongoing, but we are confident that during the next visit we may be able to officially open the new soccer field and sports complex.”
Community Development Projects
Responding to questions from journalists about the company’s contributions to communities in Nimba County, Van Der Merwe outlined a range of infrastructure and social development projects currently being undertaken by AML.
According to him, the company has invested heavily in the rehabilitation of Yekepa Township, including the construction of water kiosks, refurbishment of roads, and renovation of more than 500 residential houses.
“The renovation of the whole Yekepa town is ongoing,” he said. “Over 500 houses have been refurbished, and people can see the quality of the work that has been done.”
He added that the company is also constructing a modern sports facility for residents, while plans are underway to renovate the P-Market area and surrounding roads. AML has additionally supported the rehabilitation of public infrastructure, including a police station in Sanniquellie that is nearing completion.
Van Der Merwe said the projects are designed to improve living conditions and contribute to the long-term development of host communities.
“It is really encouraging to see a happy community around us enjoying some of these projects,” he stated.
Balancing Expectations and Delivery
While acknowledging that residents are eager to see projects completed more quickly, the AML chief emphasized the importance of ensuring quality standards.
“I think all of us want this to happen faster,” he admitted. “But as long as people see the work progressing and contractors actively working, they understand.”
He disclosed that the company has significantly expanded the involvement of local businesses in its development activities, with more than 17 Liberian contractors currently participating in various construction and rehabilitation projects.
According to Van Der Merwe, AML remains focused on delivering durable and high-quality infrastructure while maintaining strong support from surrounding communities.
“We are getting tremendous support from the communities, and we are very happy with how things are progressing,” he said.
Partnership with Government
The AML CEO also highlighted what he described as a strong working relationship between the company and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.
He noted that both the government and the company ultimately serve the same people, pointing out that many AML employees come from communities represented by the government.
“The same people that government represents are also the same people who work for us and live in the communities where we operate,” he explained.
Van Der Merwe praised the level of engagement between AML and the ministry, describing communication as frequent and constructive.
“There is very frequent interaction. We receive advice from the ministry on our mining activities, and there is generally very good cooperation,” he said.
He further stressed that the relationship extends beyond regulation and oversight, characterizing the government and AML as partners working toward a common goal.
“We are one community working together. ArcelorMittal Liberia belongs to the people of Liberia as well. In that sense, we are partners.”
Investing in Liberian Skills Development
One of the company’s proudest achievements, according to Van Der Merwe, is its Vocational Training Center (VTC), which has become a key component of AML’s workforce development strategy.
The CEO revealed that the company has invested more than US$14 million into establishing and operating the training institution.
“We have already trained more than 200 people as artisans and operators,” he said.
According to him, every graduate who completed the center’s three- to five-year training programs has secured full-time employment with the company.
“All of those people are now fully employed by ArcelorMittal Liberia and earning good, well-remunerated salaries,” he noted.
Van Der Merwe said trainees receive stipends throughout their studies, enabling them to acquire valuable technical skills without incurring financial burdens.
He emphasized that the program serves both community development and operational needs.
“We need skilled Liberians to run and manage these operations in the future,” he said. “The VTC has become one of our success stories because it has helped transform lives while also supplying the skilled workforce needed for our operations.”
Engagement with Buchanan Communities
Addressing concerns regarding community relations in Buchanan, where residents recently shared their views during Minister Murray’s visit, Van Der Merwe said AML maintains regular engagement with host communities through a dedicated community affairs department.
He noted that the company’s operations are deeply integrated into the communities in which it operates and therefore require continuous dialogue and collaboration.
“We cannot separate ourselves from the communities in Buchanan, Nimba or Yekepa because our operations exist within those communities,” he said.
The AML CEO highlighted the role of community development funds in supporting schools, health facilities and locally selected development initiatives.
At the same time, he acknowledged that expectations remain high due to unemployment and economic challenges facing many Liberians.
“The demand is very high and expectations are high. We understand that there is a lot of unemployment in Liberia,” he said.
To address these concerns, Van Der Merwe disclosed that AML intends to increase investments in alternative livelihood programs aimed at helping communities develop sustainable economic opportunities beyond mining.
“We want to ensure that people are not always 100 percent dependent on the mine,” he said.
Despite existing challenges, Van Der Merwe expressed optimism about the company’s relationship with host communities, saying interactions with residents in Buchanan, Yekepa and Zolowee have generally been positive.
“When I walk around in Buchanan or Yekepa, I meet people who are smiling and positive,” he said. “But we also recognize that there is still much more we need to do to continue engaging and supporting our communities.”
The visit by Minister Murray and his delegation forms part of ongoing government efforts to monitor mining operations, assess compliance with concession obligations, and evaluate the impact of mining investments on local communities and national development.
