Monrovia, Liberia – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) is set to enhance its operations with the commissioning of two large power plants designed to provide stable energy for its Phase II expansion project. Nearing completion, the plants will be essential to meeting the company’s expanding operational and infrastructural needs.
In Yekepa, AML’s contemporary iron ore concentrator facility is scheduled for dedication later this year, and a state-of-the-art 72 megawatt power production plant is also under construction. The building of a 21-megawatt power plant in Buchanan is another significant milestone. Both projects highlight AML’s core priority of safety and on-time delivery.
“A robust and stable energy infrastructure is crucial for our Phase II operations. This milestone reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence in Liberia,” the company stated in a recent Facebook post.
The two power plants will supply a significant amount of electricity to support activities, namely the Buchanan automated offloading facility and the ore concentrator.
In addition to their industrial application, the plants will assist ease energy limitations by providing consistent electricity to company personnel, offices, and operating locations in Buchanan, Yekepa, and AML’s mining operations in Nimba County.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Communication Manager, Winston Daryoue, told reporters in Buchanan that the power plants’ development is progressing.
“As you can see, the team has made substantial progress with the construction works. These power plants will be instrumental in commissioning the concentrator, which will triple our production output,” Daryoue stated.
He also emphasized that AML’s infrastructure and general operations depend on a steady supply of electricity, characterizing it as a crucial component of the company’s Phase II development plan.
AML’s Phase II project, which has been estimated to cost around 1.4 billion dollars, has the potential to transform the company, Liberia, and the neighboring region. Currently in a steady state of development, the project is anticipated to be put into service in 2025 and has a capacity of 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate.
In order to enable the effective production and transportation of concentrated ore, AML’s phase Tow expansion includes a state-of-the-art concentration facility, improvements to the current rail system, and enhancements to Buchanan’s port infrastructure. Concurrent with development, Phase II activities are proceeding under the “Direct Shipping Ore” mode.
Under strict safety and environmental regulations, significant progress has been made in the areas of engineering, procurement, controls, and construction. The Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) staff at AML keeps a careful eye on contractors to make sure they are adhering to the company’s strict safety regulations, Daryoue added.
As a key asset for AML and a significant contributor to the local economy, the Phase II project has already created over 3,000 new employment for Liberians. Road restoration projects and other infrastructure upgrades are being fueled by the expansion in addition to direct employment, the company continue.
With programs to upskill Liberian professionals, it is reported that AML has made local workforce development a top priority. One of the most important initiatives in creating a workforce with the necessary skills to support the company’s long-term operations is the ArcelorMittal Training Academy.
The badly broken 280-kilometer railway that ran from Yekepa to Buchanan was one of the main obstacles AML faced when it first arrived in Liberia. The railway, which was severely damaged during the civil war in Liberia, was completely restored between 2007 and 2012 under the direction of Odebrecht Construction International, AML’s contractor. AML has already invested over $800 million to get the rail restored and put into service.
Now that it has been renovated, the railway can run at up to 70 km/h and support an axle load of 30 tons. This restoration has been crucial to guaranteeing effective ore transportation and reaffirming AML’s dedication to updating Liberia’s mining infrastructure.
With these developments and a dedication to sustained investment in Liberia’s mining industry, ArcelorMittal Liberia maintains its position as a major force behind industrial and economic development.
