MONROVIA, October 13, 2026 — A senior Laboratory Science student at Nimba University has described how ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) 2026 Vacation Job Programme exposed her to new career opportunities in the mining industry while providing valuable practical experience.
Mercy M. Moore, one of the beneficiaries of the program, said she initially considered the opportunity primarily a means of earning financial support for her education. However, her assignment to AML’s Exploration Department introduced her to technical aspects of mining that she had not previously considered as potential career paths.
Through practical training and mentorship, Moore gained knowledge of mineral exploration, including how underground resources are identified and assessed for possible development.
She said the experience also strengthened her understanding of workplace safety and its importance in industrial operations.
“The Exploration team taught me many things, and from their teaching, I learned that there are many resources beneath the ground that are beneficial to mankind,” Moore explained.
“I also realized that safety is extremely important in everything we do. I will take this lesson with me and encourage others to always put safety first,” she added.
Although her academic background is in Laboratory Science, Moore said the exposure broadened her understanding of how scientific and technical skills can be applied across different industries.
She expressed appreciation to AML for providing an opportunity that has increased her confidence and interest in exploring future employment possibilities in the mining sector.
Meanwhile, AML’s Head of Exploration, Ralf Kriege, praised Moore and other participating students for their contributions to the department’s operations.
According to Kriege, the students initially assisted with moving equipment and organizing core boxes before progressing to more technical assignments, including core photography, core sampling and magnetic susceptibility readings.
He said their willingness to learn enabled them to assume additional responsibilities and support daily exploration activities.
Kriege noted that the students joined the department during a period of increased workload, making their contributions particularly valuable.
He described them as reliable, proactive and enthusiastic about acquiring practical knowledge of mining exploration.
Building Liberian Technical Capacity
AML’s Vacation Job Programme provides students with opportunities to gain workplace experience while pursuing their academic studies.
The initiative exposes participants to professional environments where they can develop technical skills, teamwork, workplace discipline, problem-solving abilities and an understanding of occupational health and safety.
Beyond providing temporary employment and financial support, the program allows students to explore professional opportunities outside their immediate fields of study.
For Moore, the experience demonstrated how knowledge acquired through Laboratory Science could complement technical activities in mineral exploration and other areas of the natural resources sector.
Such training opportunities can also contribute to Liberia’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of participating in the country’s mining industry.
By exposing students to industrial operations and professional standards, the program seeks to improve their preparedness for future employment while supporting the development of local talent.
Moore said her experience has changed her perception of the mining industry and expanded her career ambitions.
What began as a temporary job to support her education has become an opportunity to acquire new skills, build confidence and consider professional possibilities beyond the laboratory.
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