But Calls for more as AML move to expands it’s II phase agreement.
Monrovia, Liberia – Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has emphasized the significance of more corporate contributions to local communities, especially those impacted by the company’s activities, amid continuing negotiations over ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) expansion.
Superintendent Gono recognized the impact of AML in an interview with OK FM in Monrovia on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. She also stressed the need for more social responsibility and local involvement in economic advantages.
While acknowledging the beneficial effects AML has had on Nimba County and Liberia overall, Superintendent Gono made clear that much more work must be done to solve local issues.
“We have benefited from Mittal’s presence in the county or this country in terms of what they bring, but we still know that there is room for them to do more, especially in social corporate responsibility.”
She also noted that residents of Nimba are still calling for more job openings and a larger portion of the profits from the company’s investments. “More jobs and more inclusion are still what our people desire and greater contributions.”
Stakeholders have been debating the new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which specifies the conditions of AML’s growth, in great detail. The Liberian government is dedicated to making sure the agreement helps local people and promotes the nation’s economy, Superintendent Gono stated.
Superintendent Gono emphasized that the government’s first objective is to serve the greater good, thou she acknowledged that not all stakeholders will be happy with the expansion’s outcomes.
“We will continue to engage with them and work with them to ensure that a greater number of people, especially from the affected communities, are able to improve their lives,” she said.
Superintendent Gono reaffirmed her dedication to promoting the well-being of Nimba County citizens, stressing the need for the government and businesses to continue to be committed to enhancing the county’s quality of life. She urged AML to take more action to meet the needs of the communities where the firm has operated its mining activities for a long time.
This year, ArcelorMittal Liberia is commemorating 20 years of business in the nation and 20 years of contributions to the mining industry, economy, and community development of Liberia. More than 2,100 direct employment and more than 5,300 indirect and associated positions have been generated by AML, Liberia’s largest private sector employer. The company has made almost $2.5 billion in investments in Liberia so far, demonstrating its long-term dedication to the development and advancement of the country.
For its multibillion-dollar Expansion Project, ArcelorMittal Liberia is now closing on discussions with the Liberian government. The project’s goal is to triple the company’s iron ore production capacity from 5 million tons per year (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with 75% of the output being a blended product. One of the most significant mining projects in Liberia’s recent past, its expansion is anticipated to have a significant effect on the country’s economy.
ArcelorMittal Global’s mining executive vice president and CEO, Kleber Silva, has reiterated the company’s dedication to Liberia, emphasizing that the expansion will strengthen AML’s relationship with the nation and assist communities in the long run.
“The completion of this project will strengthen AML’s relationship with Liberia for many years to come and provide a multitude of extensive social and economic advantages to the nation and our communities. We want to develop with and for Liberia, and I have no doubt that when 2025 comes around, we will be incredibly proud of ourselves for completing this incredible project in our incredible growth path,” Silva said.
AML anticipates that the expansion will result in significant job opportunities in the near and far future. According to the company, this initiative will create 2,000 temporary construction employment and around 1,000 new permanent jobs.
With projected revenues increasing from $35 million USD to $200 million USD as output rises annually, the expansion will also boost government revenue. AML has also committed to putting resources on workforce development and training in order to provide local talent the skills they need to support the expanding activities.
Residents of the impacted communities in Grand Bass and Nimba counties have shown support for AML’s continue and operations development in Liberia and want additional possibilities.
