Africa-Press – Liberia. Chiefs, elders, and citizens of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) host communities in Nimba County have voiced their strong support for the extension of AML’s operations and the ratification of its amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). In a statement issued recently, they emphasized the company’s contributions to socio-economic development and urged the Government of Liberia to finalize negotiations for AML’s expansion while ensuring key community concerns are addressed.
Communities Back AML Expansion
AML’s 20-year presence in Liberia has played a vital role in the country’s mining industry, positioning the nation as a key global supplier of iron ore. The company remains committed to responsible mining practices, community development, and capacity building.
As hosts of AML’s key operations in Liberia, community leaders and citizens underscored the company’s critical role in employment, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic growth. They noted AML’s resilience and support during national crises such as the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics, positioning the company as a reliable and long-term partner in Liberia’s development.
“Many companies have come and gone, but ArcelorMittal has remained with us through good and bad times. The company has contributed significantly to job creation, support for local businesses, and revenue generation for the government,” the statement read.
While acknowledging challenges in AML’s previous agreements, they recognized the company’s efforts to address outstanding issues and pledged to work with AML, the government, and local authorities to ensure commitments under the existing and future MDA are fulfilled.
Major Benefits Expected from New MDA
The citizens cited several anticipated benefits from the new agreement, including over 5,000 direct and indirect new jobs, helping reduce unemployment in Nimba and across Liberia, increased County Social Development Fund (CSDF) allocations, annual revenue of $200 million to the Government of Liberia from AML’s operations an expansion of infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Ganta-Sanniquellie road to Yekepa.
“We want our communities and county to benefit from these opportunities,” the statement emphasized, urging lawmakers to move forward with the ratification.
Key Demands from Host Communities
Despite their strong backing for AML’s continued presence, the citizens presented specific demands that must be included in the final MDA to ensure sustainable development and equitable benefits for affected communities. These include increased Social Development Fund based on the volume of iron ore mined, direct allocation of CSDF funds to Nimba County for local development, fair access to the railway for other companies while giving AML operational priority, operationalization of the Gbapa Clinic and establishment of a mobile clinic initiative and agricultural projects in host communities to promote food security and economic diversification.
We understand what the direct and indirect positive impact the ratification of ArcelorMittal Liberia amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and extension of the company’s investment will have on our country, our county, and our communities. This requires a stable, peaceful, and collaborative environment. We are therefore calling on the Government of Liberia to support the extension of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations and ensure that the above concerns or issues mentioned are captured in the ratification of the amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) and the extension of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment.” – Chiefs, Elders and residents of ArcelorMittal’s Host Communities, Nimba County
The citizens also called for the inclusion of entrepreneurship and business skills development programs for local residents, expanded scholarship programs for students from host communities, establishment of two additional vocational training centers beyond the Yekepa Vocational Training Centre (YVTC), a robust local content policy prioritizing businesses, NGOs, and individuals from host communities, an independent MDA compliance monitoring team, including representatives from host communities, to oversee agreement implementation, stronger environmental protection measures to prevent pollution and minimize the impact of mining activities, improved resettlement packages for affected residents, enhanced employment opportunities for local residents, with 50% of unskilled jobs and 25% of skilled jobs reserved for Nimba citizens, support for volunteer teachers and health workers through stipends and incentives and expansion of community water supply systems and improvement of public school infrastructure.
A Call for Responsible Decision-Making
The chiefs and elders cautioned that failure to address these concerns could lead to future unrest, stressing the importance of early engagement to prevent disputes.
“We are the custodians of the land and the mountains where AML operates. We support the company’s expansion, but our concerns must be addressed in the new agreement to ensure lasting peace and prosperity in our communities,” they asserted.
While urging the Government of Liberia to swiftly ratify the MDA, they emphasized the need for a peaceful, stable, and mutually beneficial relationship between AML and its host communities.
“We are supposed to be the biggest champions of this company. Relations have improved greatly in recent years, and we want it to remain that way. Let’s do what is right now to secure the future,” the statement concluded.
As the Government of Liberia continues negotiations on the amended MDA, the voices of Nimba’s traditional leaders and citizens highlight the delicate balance between economic growth and community welfare, reinforcing the need for inclusive decision-making in Liberia’s natural resource governance.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
