Bunadin, Nimba County – Through increased grassroots involvement, expanded vocational training, and expanding advocacy for women’s participation in industry, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has strengthened its long-term commitment to community partnership, workforce development, and inclusive growth.
AML recently showed this dedication by setting up a state-of-the-art Field Liaison Office in Bunadin, Nimba County, with the goal of improving communication and cooperation with host and fenceline communities. The company’s Training Academy, which expands chances for women in technical and vocational sectors while training young Liberians for industrial professions, is simultaneously becoming a key national asset.
The newly dedicated Field Liaison Office in Bunadin, Nimba District #8, marks an important step in AML’s community engagement strategy. Constructed in partnership with the Bunadin community, which provided the land, the facility is intended to improve accessibility, strengthen dialogue and provide a direct platform for addressing community concerns.
Eric Swen, Business Partner for Technical Support in AML’s Department of Sustainability and External Relations, spoke at the dedication event and stated that the initiative illustrates the company’s understanding that mutual respect and community consent are necessary for effective operations.
“This dedication manifests relationship, trust and safety. There is no way AML can exist and operate in Liberia without the consent of the people.”
According to Mr. Swen, keeping the promise to open the office shows that trust is developed through delivery as well as promises. “Coming with the plan of erecting the office and meeting up with the promise lays the foundation for trust. With trust, the communities and AML can peacefully work together with mutual respect in meeting the needs of both parties.”
He noted that the presence of the office will make it easier for residents to directly engage company representatives, helping reduce communication barriers and improve transparency. During the event, Mr. Swen also used the occasion to reinforce rail safety awareness, urging residents not to walk, sit or play on railway tracks. “When people encounter the train, it will not automatically stop and will in the process destroy lives.”
Community members hailed the project as a historic development for the neighbourhood, and cultural performances, including indigenous gospel music performed by elderly ladies, commemorated the dedication ceremony.
Elders in the community commended AML for becoming the first field liaison office of its sort in Liberia’s mining industry. They said that the facility will assist in removing long-standing obstacles to contact between the fenceline villages and the enterprise. Community leaders also gave the company a symbol of appreciation.
Prince Yeah, the Nimba County Superintendent’s Political Liaison Officer, praised AML for its ongoing efforts to improve the company’s relationship with the public. He claimed that the office would support a more robust and fruitful partnership based on communication and collaboration.
Lance Gbagonyon, Manager for Local Government Relations at AML, praised the people of Bunadin and District #8 for their peaceful approach to resolving grievances without disruption. He also acknowledged the role of Zenith Multipurpose Company for completing the project on schedule.
Mr. Gbagonyon further recognized Community Relations Officer Melvin Ziamo for his role in strengthening ties between AML and local communities, noting that the district has recorded fewer protests than several other operational areas.
The Bunadin facility includes a conference room, office space for the Community Relations Officer and accommodation, creating a practical hub for community engagement and coordination. Peter Davis, AML Engineer Lead, encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility by protecting and maintaining it as a shared community resource.
Meanwhile, Ole Melekay Gwesiah, head of Zenith Multipurpose Company, welcomed the opportunity given to a Liberian company to execute the project. “As a Liberian company, I feel elated by the trust as the project brings visibility to the output of my company.”
