—Recognizes positive contributions of AML to Nimba County
IPNEWS: Amid ongoing discussions about ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) expansion, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono has stated the importance of increased corporate contributions to local communities, particularly those affected by the company’s operations.
Speaking in an interview with OK FM in Monrovia on Tuesday, Superintendent Gono acknowledged AML’s impact but emphasized the need for greater social responsibility and local participation in economic benefits.
“As Superintendent, you are navigating different interests of different people, and sometimes you have to understand it from their point too,” Superintendent Gono stated, highlighting the delicate balance of governance and corporate relations in a county where expectations from ArcelorMittal’s presence remain high.
Superintendent Gono recognized the positive contributions AML has made to Nimba County and Liberia at large but pointed out that much more needs to be done to address local concerns. “Mittal’s presence in the county or in this country has helped us in terms of what they bring, but we still know that there is room for them to do more, especially in social corporate responsibility,” she said.
She further emphasized that people in Nimba continue to demand increased job opportunities and a greater share of the company’s investment benefits. “Our people are still asking for more jobs and more inclusion. Bigger contributions. For me, I come from the background where I say increase your contributions to the county, increase your payments, and then let the county do their development,” Superintendent Gono stated.
ArcelorMittal Liberia is celebrating 20 years of operation in the country this year, marking two decades of contributions to Liberia’s mining sector, economy, and community development. As the largest private-sector employer in Liberia, AML has created over 2,100 direct jobs and more than 5,300 indirect and related jobs. To date, the company has invested approximately $2.5 billion in Liberia, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the nation’s growth and progress.
Expansion Project and its Impact
ArcelorMittal Liberia is currently concluding negotiations for its Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative that aims to triple the company’s iron ore production capacity from 5 million tons per annum (MTPA) to 15 MTPA, with 75% of the output being a blended product. This expansion is one of the key mining investments in Liberia’s recent history and is expected to have a substantial impact on the national economy.
Kleber Silva, Executive Vice President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Global who is responsible for mining has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Liberia, stressing that the expansion will deepen AML’s partnership with the country and create long-term benefits for communities. “Bringing this project to fruition will cement AML’s partnership with Liberia for decades to come and bring a wide range of broad-based economic and social benefits to the country and our communities. We want to grow with Liberia, and for Liberia, and I’m confident we’ll look back on 2025 and be extremely proud of accomplishing this amazing project in our marvelous journey to growth,” Silva stated.
According to AML, the expansion is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, both in the short and long term.
“This project will provide about 1,000 new permanent jobs and 2,000 short-term construction positions,” the company disclosed.
The expansion will also increase government revenue, with expected earnings rising from $35 million USD to USD 200 million as production increases each year . Additionally, AML has pledged to invest in workforce training and development to equip local talent with the necessary skills to support the growing operations.
The new Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), which outlines the terms of AML’s expansion, has sparked extensive discussions among stakeholders. Superintendent Gono emphasized that the Liberian government is committed to ensuring that the deal benefits local communities and contributes to the country’s economic growth.
“I know it is at a point where many people are looking at the new MDA coming, and our people have a lot of opinions. We listen to them because, when we from the Executive, we believe in consensus building along with our legislative cause and the people we serve at all levels,” she explained.
While acknowledging that not all stakeholders will be satisfied with the outcomes of the expansion, Superintendent Gono stressed that the government’s priority is to serve the greater good. “We know everyone will not be happy, but it is about the greater good of the people, so we will continue to engage with them and work with them to ensure that a greater number of the people, especially from the affected communities, are able to improve their lives,” she stated.
Superintendent Gono reiterated her commitment to advocating for the welfare of Nimba County residents, emphasizing that both the government and corporate entities must remain dedicated to improving living conditions in the county. “We have to want it for them,” she declared, urging AML to do more to address the needs of communities that have long hosted the company’s mining operations.
As discussions continue over the expansion, Nimba County residents and government officials will be closely monitoring how AML implements its commitments, ensuring that the benefits of this major investment are felt by the people who need them the most.
