Africa-Press – Liberia. The management of ArcelorMittal Liberia has unveiled a state of art iron ore concentration plant at its concession site in Yekepa, Nimba County.
AML says the project, whose construction is still ongoing, is worth about US$1.7 billion and is going to be one of the biggest concentration plants in Africa.
According to AML’s engineers, the first phase of the plant will be ready by December this year.
Unveiling the project to VP Koung during his recent tour of Nimba, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Chief Executive Officer, Josephus Cohen, said when completed, it will provide huge employment opportunities for Liberias.
Currently, there are over 500 young Liberians undergoing training as mechanical engineers to manage the plant upon completion.
The CEO also explained that the plant will upgrade iron ore, transforming through mechanical process from low grade to high grade iron ore.
The concentrating plant is situated at the foot of the Tokadeh Mountain, with a lifespan of over 55 years.
Presently, AML is mining a mountain ‘direct shipment ore’, which contains about 40% iron.
“When this plant is completed all abandoned (low grade) ore will be collected and brought here for processing,” Cohen said.
VP Koung, last week visited the northwestern part of Nimba, including Yekepa and of course at the mine.
The VP warned the citizens against intimidating the company by protesting at the mine, but should address all their grievances through the appropriate channels.
At the site, the VP praised the company for the Concentration Plant and cautioned the management to employ more Liberians, especially those from the affected communities.
He also encouraged the company to rehabilitate the many dilapidated or abandoned facilities, including the giant swimming pool in area F and other facilities that remain in ruins.
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