Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal’s CEO of Mining and Global Executive Vice President Kleber Silva has dubbed 2025 “the year of Liberia” as the business ramps up its growth plans. During a recent visit to Yekepa Town, Nimba County, Silva emphasized the advantages of the ongoing Phase 2 development and described the company’s ambitious project aims.
Silva was positive about Liberia’s future in regard to ArcelorMittal’s activities while speaking to a group of reporters at the ArcelorMittal Hospital in Yekepa.
“2025 is the year of Liberia because we will deliver our project, continue to perform safely, and build stronger relationships. Together, we are transforming Liberia into the hub of iron ore in the world, serving steelmakers globally with our precious ore and the excellent work of our people,” Silva stated.
Silva visited Yekepa Town with Mapi Mobwano, President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, and Michiel Van Der Merwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, to see the company’s initiatives to enhance community infrastructure, healthcare, and access to clean water.
Executives at the ArcelorMittal Hospital spoke with Liberian healthcare providers who oversee the facility and underlined the company’s dedication to improving healthcare delivery in host communities.
In order to provide access to clean drinking water and improve local livelihoods, the executives also looked at current community development initiatives, such as a water delivery system and nearby car wash facilities.
The town the leader and a group of ladies welcomed the guests with open arms at Camp #4 and showed their appreciation by presenting kola nuts in the customary manner.
A representative from the women group thanked the company for its significant efforts, saying, “Your support has been vital to our community.”
The Phase 2 expansion project of ArcelorMittal Liberia, a vital component of the business’s activities, is expected to have a significant positive impact on the country’s economy. With room for expansion, the project intends to boost iron ore production capacity from 5 million tons annually to 15 million tons.
Silva clarified, “This project is not just about numbers. It’s about securing the construction of essential infrastructure, establishing employment that empower people, and constructing a future for Liberia. Our activities are ahead of schedule from the mine to the plant, train, and port, demonstrating our dedication to producing outcomes.”
“Seeing that we are constructing the future and that the project is moving forward to meet our targets of 15 million tons and more makes me happy to be here,” he continued.
Silva commended ArcelorMittal Liberia’s activities, saying, “From the mine to the plant, railroad, and port, we are excelling across the board and ahead of the budget.”
Noting that ArcelorMittal is establishing the groundwork for sustained success, he underlined the company’s steadfast commitment to Liberia’s development.
“All of this is wonderful and blessing. We will keep constructing the Liberia of the future, turning it into a major iron ore center that supplies steelmakers across the world with our valuable ore and the outstanding labor of our people,” Silva said.
By using cutting-edge technology, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s expansion project also places a high priority on sustainability. The goal of building a contemporary ore processing facility is to boost output while maintaining operational effectiveness and safety.
Approximately 3,000 jobs have already been created during the building phase, and thousands more are anticipated to be created once the project is completely operating.
A crucial part of the project, the restored Yekepa-Buchanan railway, is almost finished. Regular operations will be supported by the railway, which will also increase the capacity for the transfer of ore.
According to reports, ArcelorMittal Liberia has spent more than $800 million to restore the Buchanan-Yekepa railway, which was devastated during the civil war in Liberia.
ArcelorMittal will continue to fulfill its commitments this year, according sources within the company, with significant project announcements and milestones setting the stage for 2025 to be a year of transformation. This crucial time will be characterized by a thriving economy, improved community welfare, and increased collaborations. Silva’s visit underscores the company’s vision of positioning Liberia as a global leader in the iron ore industry, driven by collaboration and shared success.
ArcelorMittal’s global mining activities are managed by Kleber Silva, who is well known for emphasizing socioeconomic development, sustainable practices, and operational excellence. His leadership has played a key role in advancing revolutionary projects in Liberia, such as the Phase 2 extension project, which aims to increase community benefits and triple iron ore output.
With the goal of balancing corporate expansion with significant contributions to host communities, Silva has proclaimed 2025 to be a watershed year for Liberia’s development.
