Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) awarded 83 Process Operator Learners Short-Term Employee (STE) contracts, marking a major step forward for their professional growth and commitment to Liberia’s mining sector. The 83 trainees completed their first six-month Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) training program on June 15, 2026.
They were chosen from the 41 and 42 participants in AML’s B4 and B5 Process Operator Learner batches, respectively. The trainees began their demanding technical instruction and operational training trip on December 15, 2025, receiving hands-on training designed to equip them with the skills necessary for industrial operations.
Ruth Negash, operations training and compliance manager, said the changeover was a proud and fulfilling occasion for the trainees as well as the AML team that helped them grow. Negash told the cohort, “This is a very happy and proud moment for me and for you because together we have reached where we are. We are all learning just as much as you are; therefore, it has been an incredible trip. Many individuals throughout the world do not have the chance to experience what you have.”
In support of AML’s Phase II Expansion Project, the recently hired operators will be assigned throughout the company’s growing operations after completing their training successfully. 29 of the 83 operators will be assigned to Buchanan’s Port Operations, where they will assist key departments like Container Dispatch Operations (CDO) and Material Handling, Processing, and Quality (MPQ) Control.
At the Yekepa mining hub, the remaining 54 operators will carry on with their jobs. Twelve of these will be assigned to the Metallurgy Laboratory, where they will assist with mineral testing, analysis, and quality assurance tasks, and forty-two will support core plant operations. Beyond their technical accomplishments, the group reflects AML’s ongoing dedication to developing Liberian talent, especially from areas closest to its operations.
AML’s HR Business Partner for Yekepa, Atty. Patience Kargbah emphasized the company’s deliberate approach to local recruitment and skills development. “We believe in investing in our locals, especially those from the fenceline communities,” Kargbah said. “We have a mandate to ensure that 100% of all unskilled roles and 60% of skilled roles are recruited from the fenceline communities.”
Before selecting the candidates for the Process Operator Learner program, AML’s recruitment team evaluated over 973 residents in an effort to achieve this aim through direct community contact. “I am very proud that all of you were selected to form part of the Process Operator Learners—one of the most distinctive programs we have at AML,” Kargbah added. “You did not know anybody to come here; you earned this opportunity through your own efforts.”
STE contracts were introduced following a demanding on-shift integration phase that began on April 1, 2026. During this period, trainees thoroughly engaged themselves in routine industrial tasks, gaining practical experience in a challenging operational environment. AML increased the trainees’ monthly budget to support their growth, in addition to offering daily lunches, specialized transportation to and from operational regions, and the required heavy-duty personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to plant management, the investment had favorable results. Supervisors and international technical leaders praised the trainees’ performance, discipline, and commitment during all operational shifts. With an outstanding safety record, the 83 operators successfully completed their operational integration and training. According to management, the trainees are valuable contributors who went above and beyond what they learnt on the job during a critical period for plant operations.
Michiel Van Der Merwe, CEO of AML, shared a personal viewpoint at the celebration that motivated the new operators by referencing his own career path. “In 1996, I was also a process operator,” Van Der Merwe said. “It is a massive honor and privilege for all of you to be on this program. There are millions of people who do not have the opportunity you have to work on such a world-class operation.”
He reminded the graduates that their achievement was the result of their ability and commitment. “You passed through several stages of selection. You are here because you have a certain skill and ability; remember that. You will never regret the decision to join this line of work.”
As part of AML’s larger local participation plan, the transfer of these 83 Liberian operators is another significant accomplishment. The company continues to strengthen the nation’s trained workforce in the mining sector and provide young Liberians with sustainable career routes by transforming organized technical training into employment opportunities.
