Yekepa, Nimba County, May 27, 2026: ArcelorMittal Liberia has commenced land clearing activities in Yekepa Township as part of infrastructure expansion efforts aligned with its obligations under the amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with the Government of Liberia.
The ongoing exercise is part of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s broader township restoration and infrastructure development plans, aimed at returning Yekepa to its pre-war layout and creating space for key projects as part of the company’s operational expansion.
In collaboration with Liberia’s Ministry of Public Works, ArcelorMittal Liberia began identifying and marking unauthorized structures in Yekepa Township in early February 2026. The exercise was followed by a series of public awareness announcements on local radio stations, informing residents that the demolition of unauthorized structures and the removal of non-company property from concession areas would begin on May 7, 2026.
The company says the initiative is necessary to pave the way for critical infrastructure projects and support implementation of commitments under the MDA. However, despite repeated notices and public awareness efforts, some individuals have continued to construct structures and cultivate farms within concession boundaries.
Speaking to residents found clearing land and planting crops in areas currently being prepared for development, ArcelorMittal Liberia Local Government Relations Manager Lance Gbagonyon said the company’s activities are focused on reclaiming and utilizing its legally designated concession land.
“ArcelorMittal Liberia’s new MDA calls for action, and restoration of Yekepa Township to its pre-war status is one of those actions,” Gbagonyon said. “People have often said AML is not doing anything, but now that the company is moving to implement projects, some individuals are creating additional challenges by illegally occupying concession land.”
He noted that individuals who knowingly establish farms or construct buildings in concession areas should not expect compensation or resettlement benefits.
“Everyone, including AML employees who may have erected buildings or opened farms in concession areas, will not receive compensation. Government has made its position clear on this matter,” he emphasized.
According to Gbagonyon, ArcelorMittal Liberia does not have a dedicated budget for resettling individuals who knowingly occupied or developed portions of the concession land.
“There is no budget line for resettlement of people who knowingly built houses or created farms on company land. Therefore, AML cannot guarantee compensation or resettlement for persons intentionally making gardens or constructing structures in areas already earmarked for clearing and development,” he added.
Residents occupying or utilizing concession land without authorization are being urged to discontinue activities, vacate affected areas, and cooperate with authorities to avoid losses resulting from demolition and land reclamation operations.
ArcelorMittal Liberia says it remains committed to implementing its expansion and infrastructure projects responsibly while ensuring compliance with concession agreements and supporting national development priorities.
