YEKEPA, Nimba County – ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has long been a cornerstone of Liberia’s post-conflict recovery and socioeconomic development, significantly contributing to the government of Liberia’s revenue, creating thousands of jobs, and driving community development in its host counties.
Since commencing operations, AML has invested over $1.7 billion in its Liberia project, with additional millions allocated to infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects. Through its direct employment of thousands of Liberians and its extensive supply chain, AML has positively impacted countless lives.
As the company prepares to expand its operations under a revised mining development agreement (MDA), currently being negotiated by the Liberian government, concerns have surfaced about a coordinated effort to derail the deal in the legislature. Reports indicate a potential misinformation campaign aimed at stalling the agreement and thus threatening the country’s economic progress.
Sources familiar with the situation allege that High Power Exploration (HPX) and its allies are preparing to launch a propaganda campaign akin to their 2021 efforts, which derailed AML’s concession agreement. During that period, misinformation centered on the management of the Yekepa-Buchanan rail and port infrastructure, which had been rehabilitated by AML. A legislative source disclosed that meetings are allegedly being held with some lawmakers to undermine the MDA once it reaches the legislature.
Following the derailment of the AML deal in 2021, HPX allegedly went on to pursue unconventional methods to strip AML of its rail operation rights. Despite these efforts, So far, HPX has been unable to achieve its objectives, as the Administration of President Joseph Boakai appears determined to prioritize the immediate benefits of the AML deal—including thousands of new jobs for Liberians and significant economic contributions such as royalties, taxes, and social development funds projected to reach $200 million annually by 2027.
Despite Key elements of the expansion include the construction of one of West Africa’s largest iron ore concentrators, which will create numerous job opportunities and further solidify Liberia’s position as a regional mining hub, a renewed wave of misinformation threatens to cloud public and legislative judgment. Such campaigns risk undermining the AML agreement’s approval, discouraging future investors, and jeopardizing Liberia’s economic future. Observers warn that rejecting or delaying the deal would harm not only AML but also the Liberian people, endangering job creation, community development, and long-term economic growth.
The government’s focus on the AML deal underscores its commitment to bridging Liberia’s unemployment gap and fostering economic growth. However, competing corporate interests are reportedly plotting to derail the agreement unless their demands—including HPX’s access to the Yekepa-Buchanan rail and port—are met. Sources caution that any deviation from this approach could ignite a firestorm of campaigns aimed at obstructing ratification of AML’s revised MDA.
Under the administration of former President George Weah, HPX was alleged to have leveraged sustained misinformation campaigns to delay critical investments and job creation through ArcelorMittal revised agreement. These efforts culminated in the House of Representatives, led by then-Speaker Bhofal Chambers, returning the AML deal to the Executive. Misinformation falsely portrayed AML’s rail operatorship in the revised MDA as monopolistic, ignoring the multi-user provisions clearly outlined in the amended agreement.
Adding to the controversy is Solway, a company that was allegedly granted exploration rights in areas already under AML’s concession in Nimba County. Without securing the consent of affected communities, the Ministry of Mines and Energy awarded Solway an exploration license, sparking legal disputes. Solway’s operations have since expanded into areas covered by AML’s mineral development agreement, leading to tensions and community protests.
In 2021, Solway’s alleged owner, Alford Boima Morgan, reportedly organized protests against AML at the Capitol Building. A similar protest occurred in May 2024, as Solway’s fears of losing its claims intensified with the prospect of AML’s revised MDA being ratified.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s revised MDA, expected to be submitted to the Legislature soon, has been privately lauded by senior officials in the Boakai administration as a transformative opportunity for Liberia. The deal promises over 3,000 direct jobs, millions in annual government revenue, and enhanced corporate social responsibility funding for Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba counties.
Key elements of the expansion include the construction of one of West Africa’s largest iron ore concentrators, which will create numerous job opportunities and further solidify Liberia’s position as a regional mining hub. These developments underscore the broader economic and social benefits of the agreement, making it a critical component of Liberia’s post-war recovery.
Despite these benefits, a renewed wave of misinformation threatens to cloud public and legislative judgment. Such campaigns risk undermining the AML agreement’s approval, discouraging future investors, and jeopardizing Liberia’s economic future. Observers warn that rejecting or delaying the deal would harm not only AML but also the Liberian people, endangering job creation, community development, and long-term economic growth.
The debate surrounding ArcelorMittal’s revised MDA transcends the interests of any single company. It represents a critical test of Liberia’s ability to attract foreign investment and sustain economic development. As misinformation campaigns loom, the nation’s leaders must rise above corporate manipulation and prioritize the welfare of the Liberian people.
Approving the AML agreement, business analysts say would send a strong signal to the global business community that Liberia is committed to fostering a stable and investor-friendly environment. Conversely, succumbing to propaganda and delaying the deal would jeopardize the country’s reputation and its prospects for sustained growth. The choice before Liberia’s leaders is clear: embrace progress and secure a brighter future or allow divisive interests to undermine the nation’s potential.
