—-As Fear for ‘global power struggle’ shadows
IPNEWS: This week, US Representative John Moolenaar pressed the State Department over what he calls “well-documented” links between Ivanhoe Atlantic, Parent group of Ivanhoe Liberia, and Chinese state-owned enterprises, citing CITIC and Zijin Mining’s combined 39.5% stake in related company Ivanhoe Mines as of 2020 and a $1.8 billion Ivanhoe Mines–Liberia rail rehabilitation deal for Guinean iron ore. Ivanhoe Atlantic insists it is a separate entity from Ivanhoe Mines and says its Guinea iron ore project will supply only US and allied markets, avoiding China’s Trans-Guinean Railway. The dispute signals closer US scrutiny of indirect Chinese stakes in African iron ore and copper logistics.
However, the increasing intersect with US national security reviews, signals that operators with substantial Chinese shareholders such as CITIC or Zijin Mining may face added scrutiny when pursuing rail or port infrastructure tied to critical minerals in Liberia .
The focus on the Yekepa-to-Buchanan and Trans-Guinean rail corridors in Liberia and Guinea aligns with other iron ore items in our database where control of export logistics, rather than the orebody itself, has become the main geopolitical choke point for Simandou-region developments.
With Zijin Mining now on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act entity list as of 2025, US-facing projects involving Ivanhoe-linked entities risk more complex compliance checks and potential delays in approvals for communications, power, and rail concessions connected to critical minerals supply chains.
Ivanhoe deal Implications for Liberia-U.S. Ties
Concern by U.S. Representative John Moolenaar, who chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), warns that the deal could pull Liberia into a “global power struggle” and serve as a strategic entry point for Chinese influence in West Africa.
Moolenaar’s primary concern stems from the fact that major shareholders in Ivanhoe Mines (described as a “sister company” to Ivanhoe Atlantic by the lawmaker, a link the company denies) include Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) CITIC Metal and Zijin Mining Group.
CITIC Metal has been cited by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for presenting unacceptable national security risks.
Zijin Mining was added in 2025 to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) entity list due to forced labor concerns.
The U.S. lawmaker also questioned the State Department’s initial endorsement of the project, suggesting U.S. diplomats may have “moved too quickly” without fully accounting for the implications of Chinese-linked ownership. He has urged the State Department to ensure U.S. commercial diplomacy in Africa is free from “entanglements with the CCP”.
Critics argue that if the Chinese-linked Ivanhoe gains control of Liberia’s railway, it could provide Chinese-backed firms access to strategic Atlantic ports, further expanding China’s reach over critical minerals in the region.
Liberia’s Position
Liberian officials, including the administration of President Joseph Boakai, have defended the deal (known as the “Liberty Corridor”) as a cornerstone of the national development agenda, promising thousands of jobs, infrastructure rehabilitation, and long-term revenue streams. They view the multi-user rail facility as a means to end a previous monopoly held by ArcelorMittal.
Ivanhoe Atlantic maintains it is a U.S.-based company with no Chinese state-owned firms as shareholders and is a separate entity from Ivanhoe Mines. Its CEO has stated the iron ore project in Guinea is intended to counter China’s grip on minerals and all production will be earmarked for U.S. and allied supply chains.
The deal has generated significant debate within Liberia, with civil society groups and some lawmakers calling for greater transparency and accountability regarding payments and the agreement’s terms. The secrecy surrounding the signing of the initial agreement in July 2025 fueled suspicion.
The situation remains a sensitive geopolitical flashpoint, as the U.S. attempts to counter Chinese influence in Africa, and Liberia navigates its economic development needs with its long-standing relationship with the U.S.
Liberia Obligation to U.S. Ally ties
Liberia’s relationship with the United States is a long-standing, historical partnership rather than a formal treaty-based military alliance with explicit mutual defense obligations.
Liberia’s “obligations” are primarily centered on maintaining close diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation anchored in shared values and mutual interests.
Key aspects of Liberia’s ties and cooperation include:
Liberia generally aligns its foreign policy with the U.S. on shared global priorities, such as promoting democratic governance, peace, and security. Liberia’s recent election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council is seen as an opportunity for further collaboration on shared goals.
The two nations cooperate on security and military partnerships. This includes the U.S. supporting the training and development of the Liberian Coast Guard and security sector reforms. Liberia has contributed to regional peacekeeping missions in the past, a commitment the U.S. has acknowledged and appreciated.
Liberia has historically relied on the U.S. for foreign aid and investment. The U.S. provides substantial development assistance through agencies like USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to support infrastructure, health systems, and economic growth.
Liberia has recently committed to working with the U.S. to address immigration issues, including strengthening its systems for managing migration and ensuring transparent practices, in an effort to restore full visa reciprocity.
The U.S. sees a moral relationship with Liberia due to its founding by the colonization of freed American citizens of African descent. Historically, the U.S. has intervened in times of crisis, notably in 2003 to help end the civil war, reinforcing the perception of the U.S. as a protector of Liberia’s independence.
In essence, Liberia’s main “obligation” is to maintain its status as a stable, democratic partner in West Africa that shares a commitment to mutual interests with the United States. This is maintained through ongoing dialogue and high-level meetings between officials from both nations.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed the US$1.8 billion Ivanhoe Atlantic mineral deal. The agreement was ratified on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
The Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) was passed by a vote of 38 in favor and 2 against. It has now been sent to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
The agreement allows Ivanhoe Atlantic to transport iron ore from Guinea through Liberia using the Yekepa–Buchanan railway and port for 25 years. The deal is expected to bring in an estimated US$1.8 billion in total investments, with almost US$1 billion specifically for upgrading the rail and port infrastructure. Projections indicate over US$1 billion in rail access fees and US$110 million for community development in the counties along the rail line. This agreement is also significant as it is the first major step in implementing Liberia’s multi-user rail policy, which aims to end ArcelorMittal Liberia’s monopoly and provide access to other operators.
