The pending Arcelor Mittal Liberia’s Mineral Development Agreement before the Liberian Government is gaining support from host communities.
By Stephen G. Fellajuah
Nimba County, March 19, 2025: The Chiefs, Elders, and citizens of Yarmein, Seh Zor in Nimba County, have expressed strong support for the extension of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment and ratification of its 3rd Mineral Development Agreement (MDA)
In a statement of support released on March 18, 2025, the citizens emphasized that they have come together to call for ArcelorMittal-Liberia’s (AML) continual presence in their communities and the expansion of AML’s operations through the ratification of the company’s amended MDA.
They said, “Our decision to make this call today is based on the contributions and rapidly growing partnership between the company and our communities, which are translating into jobs, support for social infrastructure development, support for the health and education sectors, promotion of local businesses, and contributing to our rising national revenue, etc.”
According to these host communities, many companies have come and gone, but AML has been with them and stood with them in good and bad times—during Ebola, COVID-19, and other challenging times.
The statement pointed out that ArcelorMittal Liberia has proven to be a reliable partner. Like any human institution or partnership, ArcelorMittal-Liberia has its own challenges, which are acknowledged by all parties, including the company itself. For instance, some provisions of the current MDA have not been fully met; however, all financial requirements have been met fully.
They further pledged to continue constructively engaging with the company, the government, and local government authorities to address these challenges and ensure mechanisms are in place for fully meeting the provisions of the current and subsequent MDA.
Additionally, they will continue to push the company to do what it is supposed to do for their communities, stating that they are happy that the company has recognized these pitfalls and has expressed strong willingness to work with them to address these concerns and take concrete steps to prevent future reoccurrence.
The statement also highlighted that they are traditional people and do not do politics with things, stressing that they will continue to say the truth as it is.
They argued that it would be unfair on their part as a community and people to ignore some of the good things ArcelorMittal has done for their country, county, and communities over the years.
They said, “ArcelorMittal is the largest employer in the private sector of Liberia, with over 3,000 Liberians directly working with the company and over 5,000 Liberians working with ArcelorMittal subcontracting companies.
AML’s patronage of local businesses continues to create additional opportunities and contribute to their communities’ economic viability. The company is also the single major contributor to the country’s revenue through taxes, royalties, and other financial obligations, thus contributing to the payment of civil and public servant salaries and other socio-economic development drives of our country.
“The new MDA will create over 5,000 direct and indirect new jobs, which will reduce unemployment in our host communities and our county. We have urged the company’s leadership that we need to benefit more from their operations, as we cannot be cooking and be hungry. We also heard in the new MDA that the County Social Development Fund will increase; the government of Liberia will collect $200 million every year from the company, and many other things to benefit. We are happy for all of this good news from ArcelorMittal Liberia”, the statement said further.
They also acknowledged that the company has been fixing community roads and are grateful for the construction of the Ganta to Sanniquellie road, which the company has paved. They suggested that such a project be finally extended to Yekepa.
Despite the support, the citizens also presented several recommendations to the government of Liberia, urging it to ensure that these issues are incorporated into the negotiation with ArcelorMittal.
These concerns included increasing the social development fund in proportion to the increase in ore mining, designating a separate account for local development funds, and ensuring preferential use of the railway for ArcelorMittal.
Operationalizing the Gbapa clinic, providing mobile clinics in impacted communities, and establishing agricultural projects and entrepreneurship support in the communities.
Expanding vocational and technical training opportunities for residents and monitoring compliance with the MDA with community representatives involved.
Addressing environmental concerns and ensuring proper measures are in place to safeguard the environment.
The recommendations also included ensuring fair employment practices with a significant portion of jobs allocated to host communities.
Supporting health and education programs, including support for local teachers, health workers, and students.
The citizens also requested that ArcelorMittal provide further infrastructure improvements, including the construction of water supply systems, reconditioning public schools, and supporting the development of housing and streets in local towns.
This call for the extension of ArcelorMittal’s investment and the ratification of the new MDA reflects a collaborative approach by local communities, the company, and the government to ensure sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders in the long run.- Edited by Othello B. Garblah.
