IPNEWS: ArcelorMittal dedicated a Modern Iron Ore Concentrator Tuesday in Nimba County, contrary to recent badmouthing of its quest for the signing of the second phase of its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA)
The concentrator is part of AML’s Phase Two expansion project.
ARCELORMITTAL LIBERIA PHASE II offers greater invement throughout its Operation areas of Mining in Tokadeh (Nimba), especially Prospects for the modernization of the Rail that links Buchanan Port (Grand Bassa) and other Port operations. The Phase II expansion offers $2 billion investment, increased Production to triple to 20 million tonnes/year by 2025, becoming West Africa’s first iron ore concentrator, Upgrading the rail from Yekepa–Buchanan and port handling systems and the provision of over 3,000 Liberian jobs created.
In so far ArcelorMittal since its first MDA signing in 2005, has witnessed tremendous phases including the commencement in 2011, the DSO operation in 2012 – ensuring the First ore exportation;In 2022 – Phase II reactivation and ongoing in 2025 – First high-grade shipment is expected.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II expansion marks a transformative milestone in Liberia’s mining sector and the West African mining landscape. With a capital investment exceeding USD 2 billion, this integrated project scales up iron ore production from 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 20Mtpa, enabling the country’s emergence as a strategic player in high-grade iron ore exports.
Phase II expansion is expected to focus on four key aspects:
1. Mine and Concentrator: Concentrator Commissioning (2025)
- Mechanical completion and wet commissioning of the 15 Mtpa concentrator is complete.
- The plant is designed to upgrade 35–37% Fe hematite ore to 66%+ Fe high-grade magnetite concentrate.
The second aspect is Mine Development, to include the Expansion of the Tokadeh operations with additional pit development and dewatering infrastructure. Thjis pharse also involves the Installation of a primary crusher, ore handling system, and overland conveyor to concentrator.
The Third component of the phase II expansion is upgrading the Plant Infrastructure by Tailings storage facility, process water supply system, power substation, control room, and reagent storage.
Environmental and Safety, remains key to the four cardinal components of the pharse II expansion by ensuring All permits are secured. Strict environmental and safety compliance is being followed.
2. New Rail Infrastructure and Operations:
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s rail infrastructure is being significantly upgraded to support the expansion from 5 Mtpa to 20 Mtpa concentrate transport. This involves comprehensive works across rolling stock, track, signaling, and logistics support systems:
Railway rehabilitation and remediation works – Approx. USD 30 million:
- Executed by contractors including WBHO
- Includes rail and sleeper replacement, track geometry correction, ballast renewal, and expansion of Buchanan rail yards and passing loops
- Over 440,000 new sleepers installed
- 230,000 meters of track geometry correction (line, level, tamping) completed
- An additional USD 25 million in contracted rail services is currently in progress
New rolling stock acquisition – USD 135 million:
- 16 new locomotives and 700 wagons to meet 15 Mtpa rail throughput requirements
- Supports phased expansion and rolling efficiency
Rail remediation materials procurement – USD 70 million:
- Purchase of rails, steel sleepers, fasteners, and other critical track infrastructure components
Workshop construction in Buchanan – Approx. USD 20 million:
- New, state-of-the-art maintenance facility for locomotives and wagons
- Located at the port to service both existing and new rolling stock
Rail infrastructure improvements:
- Track rehabilitation along the full Tokadeh-to-Buchanan corridor
- Construction of new passing loops at Kitoma, Blezi, and Bakhon
- Implementation of FAS-PAS signaling and VHF communication systems for safer, efficient operations
- Rolling stock operations:
- 710 wagons total, including 260 refurbished units
- Fleet includes 13 GE locomotives (5 reused) and 2 switchers
- Half-consist trains operate in rotation for efficient loading and unloading cycles
3. Port Expansion – Buchanan
- Berth Expansion and Dredging:
- Jetty berth extended to accommodate Panamax vessels for high-volume loading.
- Dredging works have deepened the channel to support larger vessels.
- New Shiploader Installation:
- Automated shiploader system installed with 6,000–8,000 tph loading rate.
- Conveyor extensions integrated from the stockyard to the shiploader.
- Stockyard and Material Handling:
- New stackers, reclaimers, and yard conveyors to support 15 Mtpa.
- Additional stockpile pads built with enhanced dust control systems.
- Port Control and Safety:
- Port control tower commissioned, with radar, VHF radio, and CCTV systems.
- Firefighting, dust suppression, and spill containment systems upgraded.
4. Socioeconomic Impact and Sustainability
- Local Employment and Training:
- Over 3,000 Liberians employed during construction; thousands more indirect jobs.
- Ongoing technical skills training programs in mechanical, electrical, and operations.
- National Revenue and Royalties:
- AML is Liberia’s largest taxpayer, with increased royalty payments and revenue share anticipated post-expansion.
- Community Investment:
- Significant investments in housing, healthcare, schools, and local infrastructure.
- Strong partnerships with local governments and NGOs for sustainable development.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Full ESIA conducted and approved for Phase II.
- Ongoing monitoring and mitigation in place for air, water, and biodiversity.
Conclusion
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II expansion is a strategic investment into the long-term prosperity of Liberia. Beyond mining, it represents a modern industrial corridor from mine to port—transforming local communities, strengthening national infrastructure, and elevating Liberia’s role in global steel supply chains.
