–Celebrates 20 Years with additional 2.5 Billion New Investment
IPNEWS: ArcelorMittal Liberia marked a significant milestone on Saturday, as it celebrated its 20th anniversary in a grand ceremony held at the Invincible Sports Park in Monrovia. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, local community leaders, employees, and international partners. They all gathered to commemorate two decades of the company’s impact, commitment and partnership to investment and development in Liberia.
In a special statement, AML CEO, Michiel Vandermerwe highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and its contributions to the local economy. “We, ArcelorMittal are steadfast in our dedication to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community development, ensuring that the benefits of the success of our operations are shared with all Liberians,” CEO Vandermerwe said.
“We are at a critical juncture of our operations this year, when we are finalizing our Phase II Expansion Project, one of the largest mining expansion projects in West Africa.”
The CEO emphasized a commitment by ArcelorMittal Executive Vice President and CEO for Mining, Kleber Silva, that 2025 is the year for Liberia, adding that the commitment was not just a statement. “This is a vision which we will make a reality this year.”
CEO Van Der Merwe highlighted that the Phase II Expansion Project is a big increase in the company’s mining volume, with the concentrator plant to be commissioned, shortly, making Liberia the epicenter of large mining in West Africa.The event also showcased the company’s achievements, including the creation of thousands of jobs, significant investments in local infrastructure, including the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, and initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability. ArcelorMittal Liberia has been a key player in the country’s economic recovery since the end of the civil war, providing a stable source of employment and contributing to the national GDP.
Under the Phase II Expansion process, at least As 2,100 Young Liberians are expected to get full employment with ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) as part of its new 2.5 billion dollars investment into Liberia’s mining sector.
Already ArclorMittal has began the expansion of the Port of Buchanna to accommodate Large commercial vessels; the construction of a 100 Megawatts Hydro for the supply of electricity throughout its concession areas.
Already AML has invested approximately $2.5 billion into Liberia’s mining sector, contributing to infrastructure development and economic growth.
On the heels of 20 years celebration, the company has made significant achievements that have positively impacted the local community, economy, and environment. Including Economic Contributions through Investment.
Employment plays a very significant portion of ArclorMittal’s contribution to Liberia’s Economic contribution with the creation of Direct Jobs amounting to over 2,100 direct jobs been created through AML operations. Also, ArclorMittal has provided Indirect Jobs of at least 5,300 indirect and related jobs over the last two decades.
Currently ArclorMittal’s Rail Remediation Project has incorporated More than 1,000 Liberians as employees in a single rail remediation project, reflecting AML’s commitment to community employment.
Government Revenue: AML’s operations have generated substantial revenue for the Liberian government, with anticipated revenues from the Phase II Expansion Project projected to increase from $35 million to $200 million.
- Community Development targeting Education Initiatives ArclorMittal has facilitated education for over 1,000 Liberian children in its school systems, providing quality primary and secondary education at the AML School System.
- Vocational Training Centre: Invested $7 million in rehabilitating infrastructure, offering 100% tuition-free training, and certifying young Liberians with internationally recognized certificates.
- Young Professionals Programme: This program has absorbed nearly all interns into the AML workforce, providing valuable professional opportunities.
- Health Initiatives:
- Increased investment in local health infrastructure, including upgrading hospitals like the Buchanan Hospital and the construction of new hospitals in Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties..
- Social Infrastructure:
- AML plays a key role in building social infrastructure through community initiatives, including drug awareness programs, student career fairs, and other health and safety education programs.
Environmental Commitment
- Sustainability Practices:
- AML has focused on responsible mining practices and committed to environmental sustainability in its operations, collaborating with local communities to promote long-term ecological health.
Infrastructure Development including the Railway and Transportation, ArclorMittal shall invest at least $800 million in developing a 243km heavy haul railway, enhancing transportation of bulk commodities and creating an efficient logistics network for mining operations. This railway upgrade complies with US heavy haul standards.
- AML is fully remains aligned with the Government of Liberia’s desire to create a fully functioning framework for multiuser rail system on the Buchanan Corridor
- •The User-Operator structure proposed in the Third Amendment is the most successful structure for bulk commodities worldwide in major juridictions (e.g Australia, Brazil,-Canada) including successful operations in neighboring Guinea.
- DAML has agreed to a Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) suggested by GoL that would provide more than adequate protection to the GoL and other users regarding rail access, along with transparent and non-discriminatory rail operatorship.
- •These new Multi-User Principles will be effective immediately.
- •Rail Authority will be responsible for setting standards, monitoring and inspecting various aspects of Rail operations
- Infrastructure Improvements:
- Ongoing projects to improve rail system capacity, with expansions that allow for longer trains and additional locomotives and wagons to facilitate increased production.
Industry Leadership
- Market Position and Production:
- ArcelorMittal has established itself as one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore, contributing significantly to its global supply chain and maintaining high production standards.
- Innovation and Technology:
- Investment in modern equipment and technologies to improve operational efficiency and meet the demands of global markets
Celebration and Future Vision
- 20th Anniversary Celebration reflects on its past contributions and outline future commitments to Liberia’s socio-economic development.
- Phase II Expansion Project:
- A significant initiative aimed to increase iron ore production from 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, which is expected to enhance economic benefits and job creation while ensuring alignment with responsible mining practices.
Through these extensive contributions and ongoing initiatives, ArcelorMittal Liberia has significantly shaped the landscape of Liberia’s mining sector and local community, paving the way for continued growth and sustainable development in the years to come.
“Since 2005, ArcelorMittal has invested over 3.5 billion U.S. dollars in this country. Most of this investment was spend on the reconstruction of the railway, upgrading the port and rehabilitation other mining infrastructures and the construction of the concentrator.”
Government representatives praised ArcelorMittal for its role in fostering economic growth and stability in Liberia. The Minister of Mines and Energy expressed gratitude for the company’s long-term commitment to the country.
The anniversary celebration also included live performances by two of Liberia’s biggest music artists MC Caro and CIC − showcasing Liberia’s rich heritage, and a commitment to future collaboration between the company and local artists.
SEE PICTORIAL AT 20YEARS ANNIVERSARY
