YEKEPA, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the country’s largest foreign investor and iron ore producer, will on Thursday, June 5, dedicate a cutting-edge iron ore concentrator in Yekepa, Nimba County. The ceremony will be attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and ArcelorMittal’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi N. Mittal, in a momentous occasion for Liberia’s mining and industrial future.
The iron ore concentrator—West Africa’s first—is a centerpiece of AML’s ambitious Phase II Expansion Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative to modernize Liberia’s mining infrastructure and significantly increase the country’s iron ore output.
The event marks a major milestone as AML celebrates 20 years of operations in Liberia, and underscores the company’s long-term commitment to national development and economic growth.
A Leap Forward in Liberia’s Industrial Development
With an investment exceeding $US2 billion, the Phase II project will triple AML’s iron ore production from 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 20 Mtpa by 2025. The new concentrator—now mechanically complete and undergoing wet commissioning—is designed to upgrade lower-grade hematite ore (35–37% Fe) into high-grade magnetite concentrate with over 66% Fe content.
“This is a transformative step not just for ArcelorMittal, but for the entire Liberian economy,” said Winston Daryoue, Communications Manager at AML. “It means more jobs, higher revenue for the government, and a stronger industrial foundation for Liberia.”
President Boakai and Mr. Mittal to Attend
President Boakai is expected to deliver a key statement at the dedication, reaffirming the government’s support for responsible investment and sustainable development. Mr. Mittal’s participation further underscores the importance of the Liberian operation in ArcelorMittal’s global strategy.
Key Components of Phase II
The Phase II expansion spans four strategic domains. One is the Mine and Concentrator located in Nimba. At this component, 15 Mtpa iron ore concentrator is completed, new ore crushing and conveying systems, advanced infrastructure: power substations, tailings facilities, control rooms and strict environmental and safety standards are fully met.
The rail upgrade at the Yekepa–Buchanan Corridor is another key feature. This upgrade include over 440,000 new rail sleepers and 230,000 meters of track alignment completed, acquisition of 16 new locomotives and 700 wagons, over $125 million invested in rail logistics and rolling stock and modern signaling and communication systems installed for safer, more efficient operations
The port expansion in Buchanan, Grand Bassa has seen the extension of berth to handle Panamax vessels, new shiploader with 6,000–8,000 tonnes per hour capacity andenhanced stockyards, stackers, reclaimers, and environmental control systems.
It has also seen the boost of Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact that has generate over 3,000 direct jobs for Liberians created during construction, additional thousands of indirect jobs supported, investments in healthcare, education, and community infrastructure. AML remains Liberia’s largest taxpayer and top contributor to national revenues. In addition full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) has been conducted and approved.
20 Years of Partnership with Liberia
ArcelorMittal began its operations in Liberia in 2005 with the signing of the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). Since then, it has played a pivotal role in the country’s post-war economic recovery and industrialization.
Timeline of Key Milestones:
• 2005 – MDA signed with the Government of Liberia
• 2011 – Commencement of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) operations
• 2012 – First iron ore exported through Buchanan Port
• 2022 – Reactivation of Phase II expansion
• 2025 – First shipment of high-grade magnetite concentrate expected
Looking Ahead
Once fully operational, the new concentrator and associated infrastructure will position Liberia as a leading exporter of high-grade iron ore in the global market. AML’s investments are also designed to ensure long-term sustainability—both economically and environmentally.
“This project goes beyond mining. It is an integrated industrial corridor from mine to port that transforms communities, modernizes national infrastructure, and elevates Liberia’s role in global supply chains,” AML stated.
