Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is a key component of the company’s worldwide expansion plan, with its mining activities in Liberia making a substantial contribution to the portfolio. In the initial phase of the mining project, the direct shipping ore (DSO) is exported in its raw form to purchasers all over the world, with an average FE of 60%. The Liberia mining project is the company’s first greenfield mine, making it unique among ArcelorMittal’s global operations.
In keeping with this, the firm has stressed its commitment to sustainable mining techniques, with a particular emphasis on environmental conservation. The mining operation is a complex enterprise that has three major components: the mine, the crushing plant, and maintenance.
These activities are supported by important teams such as technical services, quality control, safety and health (including the ArcelorMittal hospital), environmental management, human resources, procurement, estate management, communications, and corporate responsibility.
One of the most significant changes in ArcelorMittal Liberia’s recent history is the addition of senior Liberians to the management team as part of the company’s long-term investment plan in the nation.
Jallah Selma’s recent appointment to General Manager for Mines is a historic milestone, as he is the first Liberian to hold this important leadership position since the company’s founding in Liberia in 2005. This action represents a significant shift in the company’s management structure and demonstrates ArcelorMittal’s continuous commitment to empowering Liberians and developing local leadership within its businesses.
Jallah Selma’s move to leadership in the organization is a story of perseverance and hard work. His career at ArcelorMittal began with Odebrecht Construction International’s reconstruction of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, where he worked as Superintendent for Road Bridges and Culverts. Reflecting on his early days, he says, “My role was to support the team with the earthwork and road rehabilitation so that rail materials could be safely transported.” Following the project’s successful completion, ArcelorMittal Liberia hired Selma and many other team members.
With ArcelorMittal’s long-term commitment to Liberia, Selma joins an ever-increasing number of Liberian professionals who have made it to key positions within the firm. Marcus Wleh, the company’s current Head of Sustainability and External ties, is responsible for managing both public and private ties. Steve Stequoah, previously Head of Corporate Services at AML, is presently Liberia’s Minister of State without Portfolio for Special Projects. These examples of professional advancement inside ArcelorMittal demonstrate the company’s commitment to emphasizing Liberian talent, as outlined by its former CEO.
This leadership transfer occurs at a critical time for ArcelorMittal Liberia, as the firm prepares for Phase 2 growth. This multimillion-dollar initiative intends to treble iron ore output, create more jobs, and provide extra advantages to the local community. The development involves renovations to vital infrastructure like as the Buchanan-Yekepa railway and the Buchanan port, all of which are projected to bring considerable economic advantages to Liberia.
The project is expected to provide thousands of direct and indirect employment for Liberians of all skill levels, as well as stimulate growth in local communities. In addition to creating jobs, the Phase 2 expansion would improve ArcelorMittal Liberia’s contribution to government income and strengthen its corporate social responsibility in Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba counties.
For almost two decades, ArcelorMittal has contributed significantly to Liberia’s economic growth through taxes, royalties, and community development projects. The company’s ongoing investment in local capacity-building is consistent with the Liberian government’s aim for sustainable development and private-sector-driven economic growth.
ArcelorMittal is establishing itself as a real partner to Liberia by promoting Liberians into important leadership roles and continuing to invest in infrastructure and human resources. The transition to a Liberian-led management team at ArcelorMittal Liberia promises to be more than a symbolic gesture; it will be a watershed event with far-reaching consequences for the country’s socioeconomic landscape.
ArcelorMittal is developing a generation of local leaders with both global competence and a strong awareness of Liberia’s specific problems and possibilities by putting qualified Liberians in key decision-making positions. This shift might lead to a more inclusive and sustainable mining industry, with choices informed by local knowledge and motivated by a shared commitment to national growth.
In practice, the shift could speed up the transfer of important skills to local experts, ensuring that the technical and managerial talent required for Liberia’s industrialization remains in the nation. It will also imply increased autonomy and control of Liberia’s natural resources, providing a good example for other global businesses doing business in the country. A Liberian-led management team might operate as a catalyst for more engagement between the business sector, government, and communities, resulting in policies and practices that are more closely aligned with Liberians’ objectives.
Allowing Liberians to lead will establish the groundwork for a strong, self-sufficient economy. The money created by Liberia’s mining sector has the potential to convert into increased prosperity, improved infrastructure, and a legacy of national pride. This is more than just an operational adjustment; it is a roadmap for Liberia’s long-term destiny.
