CALLS ON GoL TO IMPROVE AML EXPANSION.
Monrovia, Liberia – Citing ArcelorMittal Liberia’s longstanding contributions to the socioeconomic development of Liberia, chiefs, elders, and residents of the communities where the company operates in Nimba County have thrown their support behind the extension of the company’s investment and the ratification of its amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
Traditional leaders and local stakeholders from the districts of Yarmein, Seh, and Zor, in a forcefully worded statement, thanked the company for its ongoing partnership and called it a “reliable ally” that has supported them during Liberia’s most trying times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola outbreak.
“We have united to demand that ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) be present in our communities and that its activities be expanded by ratifying the updated Mineral Development Agreement. AML has supported us through both good and terrible times, while many other businesses have come and gone. They have shown themselves to be a trustworthy partner. To make sure these problems are fixed, we will keep having positive conversations with the company, the government, and our local authorities. The company is aware of these dangers and has shown a significant desire to cooperate with us to overcome them,” the chiefs noted.
Although several requirements of the company’s current MDA have not been entirely satisfied, the chiefs and residents acknowledged the difficulties that still remain. But they stressed that AML has fulfilled all of its financial commitments and shown that it is prepared to resolve the issues brought up by the communities.
The statement went on to list a number of advantages that the towns have seen as a result of AML’s presence, including infrastructural development, job creation, and support for local businesses. The group claims that with over 3,000 direct employees and 5,000 employment through its subcontractors and with the intention to increase employment after the signing of the new contract, the company continues to be the biggest employer in Liberia’s private sector.
ArcelorMittal’s support of local businesses is opening up new doors and boosting the economic growth of our communities. According to the statement, the company is also the only significant source of income for our nation from taxes, royalties, and other financial commitments.
Community representatives outlined important clauses they would like to see in the new agreement as the government reviews it, including an agricultural project in each affected community, more scholarships for local students, and an increase in the County Social Development Fund proportionate to the company’s increased production capacity.
The government must make sure that AML boosts funding for technical and vocational education, especially in host areas, they said. To complement the Yekepa Vocational Training Center, two other vocational training facilities should be established in affected areas, the statement stressed.
The leaders emphasized the importance of strong environmental protections, better infrastructure in Yekepa, and increased community involvement in overseeing the agreement’s execution.
“Please pay attention to us, Liberian government. The mine that ArcelorMittal Liberia is using to collect iron ore is under our care. Although we applaud the expansion,” they cautioned that the new MDA must take into account all of otheir concerns.
The statement urged the government to act in the best interests of Nimba villages and ended with a call for peace and stability.
“We should be the company’s strongest supporters. In recent years, our relationship with AML has significantly improved, and we want it to continue to do so. In order for this investment to benefit everyone, the government must make sure that our concerns are taken into consideration during the ratification process,” the signatories stated.
