Monrovia, Liberia – For many years, one individual has established a name for himself based on diligence, hard work, and a devotion to excellence at the heart of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s mining operations, on top of the Tokadeh, Gangra, and Yueliton Mountains, where industrious men, women, and machines collect iron ore. At ArcelorMittal Liberia, the individual is Jallah Selma, the recently hired and first Liberian general manager of mines.
A good energy emanating from Selma’s presence on the mine site motivates his crew to pursue excellence in mining, production, and health and safety. Despite the fact that his elevation to General Manager for Mines is no minor accomplishment, Selma’s lengthy history of service and accomplishments make this not surprising to many of his followers.
Long-term local workers like Selma moving up the ranks to become General Manager for Mines is one of the most inspiring success stories in the mining industry, where knowledge, safety, and a thorough awareness of the local environment are crucial. This development for ArcelorMittal Liberia demonstrates the value of supporting local talent as well as the outstanding contributions Selma and others like her bring to the business.
ArcelorMittal’s business strategy in Liberia is centered on investing in its employees and giving Liberians the chance to continue holding important positions within the organization.
The beginning of Selma’s ArcelorMittal Liberia voyage was the restoration of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway by Odebrecht Construction International, a contractor contracted by ArcelorMittal, where he served as Superintendent for Road Bridges and Culverts.
“My role was to support the team with the earthwork and road rehabilitation so that rail materials could be safely transported.”
Over the last decade, Jallah Selma has grown through the ranks for ArcelorMittal Liberia mining operations.
After the project was finished, ArcelorMittal Liberia hired Selma and others because of their contributions to the railway’s successful rehabilitation.
“Since joining ArcelorMittal Liberia in 2009, it has been incredible. I can’t image that I would have been where I am today. The experience has been all about learning and developing myself. I am proud to be a part of such a great project.”
Although Selma’s shift into mining was made possible by his strong foundation in construction engineering and his outstanding performance, he discussed how difficult the learning curve was.
“It was really difficult to go into mining, but I was determined and wanted to try something else. I began from the bottom of the hierarchy. I began at the loadout area, Rom pad, then went to the pit and even worked as a control room operator and tallyclerk. I’ve experienced the various stages.”
When Selma was named “Employee of the Year 2011” and then elevated to the position of Mine Infrastructure Superintendent, who is in charge of developing new mines, his perseverance paid off.
“I didn’t know much about mine infrastructure, but with the help of my supervisors and ArcelorMittal Liberia’s opportunities, I was able to learn about the position and did a fantastic job.”
Jallah Selma (standing 6th from left) along with some members of his team at Mt. Tokadeh
On January 3, 2025, during the AML workers’ awards and dinner night in Yekepa, Michiel Van Der Merwe, the CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, introduced Selma as the General Manager for Mining, fulfilling the proverb “Hard work is the mother of good luck.”
Following the news, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Anthony Kocken, praised Selma even more. “Okay, Jallah, let me say a few words. It’s been an incredible joy working with you since I came. Your efforts, devotion, commitment, persistence, and ability to bring people together are fully appreciated. This is simply the beginning of a brighter future. On behalf of myself and the top management of ArcelorMittal Liberia, I would like to express my congratulations, and we look forward to working together for a bright future.”
In a speechless and euphoric state, Jallah Selma expressed his gratitude to management for recognizing his role and awarding him the prestigious managerial position, dedicating it also to the Load and Haul section of Mining in recognition of their efforts and cooperation in meeting production targets.
Jallah S. Selma is an Engineer Technician with 13 years of expertise in General Construction, Mining, Earthwork, Roadwork, Civil Work, Architectural Drafting, Administrative, and General Supervision.
His technical skills have been developed through training at various institutions such as the University of Liberia, the Booker Washington Institute, the ArcelorMittal Online University program, and internal training programs founded and performed by AML in Leadership.
Selma and some of his mines operations team members at Mt. Tokadeh in Yekepa.
Jallah holds 15 honors and has served as AML’s Acting Mine Manager, Assistant Mine Manager, Mine Infrastructure Superintendent, and Road, Bridge, and Culvert Superintendent.
He has also worked as a Road, Bridges, and Culvert Superintendent for Odebrecht; General Construction Supervisor for the West Atlantic Group of Companies; Senior Construction Supervisor, MAK Construction Company; Construction Field Supervisor, Architecture Construction Consultant; and Draftman, Architecture Construction Consultant.
Since Jallah’s new role was announced, dozens of congratulatory messages have poured in via group chats and social media.
Kargah Logan, President of the AML Staff Association, “On behalf of the leadership of the Staff Association and the entire exempt staff, we say a big congratulation to our brother on his appointment as General Manager, and we are promising our support to the success of this journey.”
“Congrats, Hon. Jallah Selma, on your new role as the GM for ArcelorMittal Liberia Mining. Thank God for you and your family, as well as Liberia,” said Darius Vah.
“Effort pays, Mr. Jallah Selma,” said Elton Dwayen, “Big boss, big congratulations.”
Tonia Kiawu: “Congratulations, Chief! This the reward of building a network and uplifting your people.”
Congratulations, Jallah Selma. You worked for it, brother,” James K. Kekeh said.
“A very big congratulations, Jallah, well deserved,” said Mr. Burphy Herron.
