Nimba County, Liberia – Citizens of areas impacted by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) gathered in Sanniquellie City to demand that the government negotiate agreements that directly benefit them. AML’s expansion and the adoption of its modified Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) were overwhelmingly supported by more than 70 chiefs, elders, and concerned locals. They however make it known that, they had a condition attached to their endorsement: pointing to immediate access to concession benefits.
The handling of development funding has been a major cause of conflict between local communities and international corporations for many years. Millions of dollars are paid by AML each year for community development, but instead of going directly to the villages, the money goes straight to the government’s consolidated coffers. Citizens argue that this bureaucratic procedure frequently leads to delays, improper distribution, or outright rejection of monies intended to enhance their quality of life.
According to a community leader, “We recognize that ArcelorMittal has made a substantial contribution to Liberia’s economy. However, we can no longer stand by and watch while choices pertaining to our well-being are made in Monrovia, far away. We need direct control over the management of these money.”
As per the current arrangement, AML gives Nimba County US$1.5 million, Grand Bassa County US$1 million, and Bong County US$500,000 yearly. The firm has donated more than US$48 million to these counties since the agreement went into force, but the majority of that funding is under the jurisdiction of the federal government.
Another neighborhood spokesperson said, “We want a complete turnaround this time as AML expands. We are calling for all community development funds to be placed in an independent account that is overseen by local officials rather than just the government.”
An elder urged that “all of the funds paid by ArcelorMittal for community development should be placed in a separate account. This will guarantee that funds are not lost in Monrovia’s bureaucracy, but are instead utilized for projects that have a direct impact on our people.”
The leaders of the community also underlined that AML’s financial obligations need to rise in proportion to the scope of its growth. As the company’s mining production expanded, they insisted that the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) be increased proportionately. Furthermore, claiming that impacted communities are the property’s legitimate stewards, they demanded that 60% of land usage fees go to them.
The Phase II development of ArcelorMittal Liberia is expected to revolutionize the area. The project involves a state-of-the-art concentrator facility and significant improvements to the current rail and port infrastructure, with a planned capacity of 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate. An enormous economic benefit is anticipated when the extension is put into service in 2025.
More than 3,000 new employment for Liberians have already been generated by the initiative, which is anticipated to revolutionize both the business and the nation. Although they applaud this development, people argue that in order to guarantee that the advantages of AML’s presence are felt at the local level, their concerns must be taken into consideration.
A young representative said, “Our communities shouldn’t just watch this development happen. We ought to directly benefit. All we are requesting is fairness.”
The impacted communities are making it plain that there are expectations for their support while talks over AML’s modified MDA continue. They are calling for more dedication to community development, openness, and immediate financial gains. They also claim that they won’t be disregarded this time.
