Term it as Misleading and Inaccurate Reporting on April 10, 2025, Edition — “ArcelorMittal Defies Liberian Government”
Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has strongly objected to a story titled “ArcelorMittal Defies Liberian Government” that was published in the April 10, 2025 edition, of the Daily Observer Newspaper.
The article, according to AML, is factually false and clearly misrepresents AML’s actions in connection with the Government of Liberia’s ongoing negotiations over rail infrastructure access and the proposed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) by Ivanhoe Atlantic within AML’s concession area.
The company maintains that they are law-abiding corporate partners who have never disobeyed the Liberian government. Noting that they are dedicated to upholding their Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the government and maintaining positive interactions with the appropriate authorities, such as the Ministries of Mines & Energy, Transportation, and the National Investment Commission.
AML notes that the request made contradicts the procedure agreed-to in the current MDA that AML has with the Government of Liberia, emphasizing the Third Amendment to the MDA has provisions that would enable such requests, but that Amendment has not been concluded.
ArcelorMittal Liberia Communications Manager Winston Daryou,
added that the article’s central claim, that AML obstructed a government-sanctioned ESIA, is both misleading and inflammatory.
He noted that AML’s decision not to grant Ivanhoe access to its Tokadeh mining area was not an act of defiance, but a decision grounded in the legal provisions of the MDA.
“No provision within the current MDA allows an unauthorized third-party access to the active mining zones, and none of the Government’s communications provided a legal instrument to override that contractual stipulation.”
“The Ministry of Mines and Energy’s letter requesting AML’s cooperation was received on March 18, 2025, one day after the proposed commencement of the ESIA (March 17–21), effectively making timely review, coordination and response impossible. The Daily Observer’s article failed to present this crucial timeline, instead implying that AML ignored pre-existing and legally binding instructions, which is factually incorrect.”
It is reported that on March 21, 2025, AML’s CEO responded formally to the Ministry of Mines & Energy in a letter clearly outlining the legal concerns surrounding Ivanhoe’s ESIA request and reiterating AML’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to explore mutually agreeable solutions. The response also reaffirmed AML’s support for a multiuser rail system an effort AML said it continue to promote through lawful, negotiated frameworks that respect both their MDA rights and the Government’s policy direction.
AML also note of receiving a letter from the National Investment Commission on March 14, 2025, which acknowledged AML’s concerns, affirmed their legal position under the MDA, and confirmed that these matters were under review by the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee with advice from the Ministry of Justice.
“Contrary to the article’s assertions, Ivanhoe’s ESIA team was not “blocked” arbitrarily. They conducted assessments in Buchanan, along the rail corridor, and near border areas areas outside AML’s sensitive operational zones. The only restricted zone was the Tokadeh mine, an active and hazardous worksite where access requires rigorous legal, technical, and safety coordination.”
AML goes on to say that it is disappointing that a newspaper such as the Daily Observer Newspaper chose to ignore easily accessible documentary evidence from AML and the Government in favor of amplifying anonymous commentary and speculative claims.
“The piece leans heavily into provocative language, such as describing AML as a “State within a State,” which undermines objective journalism and serves no constructive purpose in a complex national dialogue about shared infrastructure use.”
AML requests that the Daily Observer publish this explanation with equal prominence in its upcoming publication in order to rectify the public record. ArcelorMittal Liberia stated that it is still willing to have more discussions with the Daily Observer editorial staff if they want to ensure impartiality and factual accuracy in their future reporting.
“AML stands by its record as Liberia’s largest and long term foreign investor, a significant contributor to national revenue, and an employer of thousands of Liberians. We continue to support infrastructure sharing, lawful collaboration, and the Government’s vision for multiuser rail access, so long as it is implemented through structured, transparent, and legally sound processes.”
