ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has successfully transitioned 83 Process Operator Learners into Short-Term Employee (STE) contracts, marking a major step forward in their professional growth and contribution to Liberia’s mining sector.
The 83 trainees, drawn from AML’s B4 and B5 Process Operator Learner cohorts — comprising 41 and 42 participants respectively — officially completed their initial six-month Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) training program on June 15, 2026. The trainees began their intensive technical instruction and operational training journey on December 15, 2025, receiving hands-on preparation designed to equip them with the skills required for industrial operations.
Operations Training and Compliance Manager Ruth Negash described the transition as a proud and rewarding moment for both the trainees and the AML team that supported their development.
“This is a very happy and proud moment for me and for you, because together we have reached where we are,” Negash told the cohort. “It has been an amazing journey for all of us because we are learning as much as you are learning. You have gained experiences that many people around the world do not get the opportunity to have.”
Following their successful completion of training, the newly contracted operators are being deployed across AML’s expanding operations in support of the company’s Phase II Expansion Project.
Of the 83 operators, 29 will be assigned to Port Operations in Buchanan, where they will support critical areas including Material Handling, Processing and Quality (MPQ) Control, as well as Container Dispatch Operations (CDO).
The remaining 54 operators will continue their work at the Yekepa mining hub. Of this number, 42 will support core Plant Operations, while 12 will be assigned to the Metallurgy Laboratory, where they will contribute to mineral testing, analysis, and quality assurance activities.
Beyond their technical achievements, the cohort represents AML’s continued commitment to developing Liberian talent, particularly from communities located closest to its operations.
AML’s HR Business Partner for Yekepa, Atty. Patience Kargbah, emphasized the company’s deliberate approach to local recruitment and skills development.
“We believe in investing in our locals, especially those from the fenceline communities,” Kargbah said. “We have a mandate to ensure that 100% of all unskilled roles and 60% of skilled roles are recruited from the fenceline communities.”
As part of this commitment, AML’s recruitment teams engaged directly with surrounding communities, assessing more than 973 residents before selecting the candidates who became part of the Process Operator Learner program.
“I am very proud that all of you were selected to form part of the Process Operator Learners — one of the most distinctive programs we have at AML,” Kargbah added. “You did not know anybody to come here; you earned this opportunity through your own efforts.”
The transition into STE contracts followed an intensive on-shift integration phase that began on April 1, 2026. During this period, trainees were fully immersed in daily industrial operations, gaining practical experience in a demanding operational environment.
To support their development, AML increased the trainees’ monthly allowance, while also providing daily meals, dedicated transportation to and from operational sites, and all required heavy-duty Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
According to plant management, the investment produced strong results. Supervisors and expatriate technical leaders praised the trainees’ performance, discipline, and commitment across all operational shifts.
The 83 operators maintained an outstanding safety record, completing their training and operational integration without any incidents. Management noted that the trainees went beyond learning on the job — they became valuable contributors who provided essential operational support during a critical period for Plant Operations.
AML CEO Michiel Van Der Merwe shared a personal reflection during the celebration, drawing from his own career journey to encourage the new operators.
“In 1996, I was also a process operator,” Van Der Merwe said. “It is a massive honor and privilege for all of you to be on this program. There are millions of people who do not have the opportunity you have to work on such a world-class operation.”
He reminded the graduates that their achievement was the result of their ability and commitment.
“You passed through several stages of selection. You are here because you have a certain skill and ability — remember that. You will never regret the decision to join this line of work.”
The transition of these 83 Liberian operators represents another important achievement in AML’s broader local content strategy. By transforming structured technical training into employment opportunities, the company continues to create sustainable career pathways for young Liberians while strengthening the country’s skilled workforce in the mining industry.
