Africa-Press – Liberia. Nimba County Superintendent, Kou Meapeh Gono has applauded ArcelorMittal for what she described as a Bold Step in Liberia’s industrial evolution with the commissioning of its Concentrator Plant in Tokedeh, Nimba County.
Speaking at the recent dedicatory ceremony of the plant, the Nimba County administrator said the construction of the plant, which marks the transition from direct ore exportation to value addition, is a key step toward a more robust, sustainable, and inclusive economy and a milestone in Liberia’s development journey.
“We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for its vision and long-term commitment to Liberia. Let us not forget: it was in 2005, when our nation was still fragile and emerging from the ashes of civil conflict, that ArcelorMittal became the first major multinational investor to believe in Liberia’s future. That was a bold and historic decision. For that early trust — and the continuous partnership since — we say thank you,” asserted the Supt. Gono.
A New Day, New Expectations
However, as Liberia evolves, she noted that the new agreements serve as a guide to Liberia’s extractive sector as the conditions that justified many of the compromises in the original Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) have changed.
“Liberia is no longer a post-conflict nation in recovery — we are a stable democracy that has held four peaceful presidential elections and transitions of power,” she stated, stressing that it is now time that the new or revised agreements reflect this progress and the rightful aspirations of Liberians
Enforcing Mining Laws: Liberians First
Superintendent Gono urged that the current and future frameworks for mining operations give full effect to Liberia’s labor and mining laws, particularly those that give preference to qualified Liberians over foreign hires.
Local Voices in MDA Negotiations
She points out that the time has come for local authorities and affected communities to have a seat at the table during the review or extension of the MDA.
In reference to the Revenue Sharing Law and the Local Government Act as foundation for a more decentralized and inclusive governance model, Madam Gono pushed for a bottom-up approach be applied in shaping mineral agreements.
According to her, local realities and aspirations would be fully integrated into national decisions which empower the county administration.
“The Superintendent superintends all finances of the county and leads the President’s development agenda in the counties. We strongly call on AML to support your development agenda by abiding by the Public Financial Management Laws and the Local Government Act of 2018 laws that provide that the heads of counties manage all public finances and execute the development agenda throughout the counties.”
Corporate Social Responsibility: A Call for Expansion
Consequently, as operations expand and production intensifies, she stressed that the benefits to host communities must expand.
She recommended an increase in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or County Social Development Fund allocation to the concession counties during the next round of MDA discussions.
“This increase should correspond to the scale of operations and directly support improved infrastructure, education, healthcare, job training, and economic empowerment for our citizens.”
A Word to Our Youth
Superintendent Gono reminded youth of Liberia, in particular, the affected counties, to see the plant as a doorway to opportunity, which must be walked through with preparation.
She called on youth of the county and Liberia at large to commit to learning the skills, acquiring the discipline, and demonstrating the maturity required to earn and keep the jobs that this expansion will bring.
Violence and protest do not solve problems — dialogue, skills, and strategy do.
While acknowledging that some of the concerns raised by aggrieved citizens are right, Supt. Gono warns against violence and protest, which according to her, do not solve problems.
Madam Gono craved the indulgence of citizens to revert their action to dialogue, skills and strategy as a means of resolving outstanding issues.
“We will work with the youth. We will work with the Legislative Caucus. We will work with AML to ensure that these concerns are heard and solutions are found. We have been speaking with Michel, the CEO and he is doing well. We trust that he is committed to sitting with us and finding solutions for the young people and the Communities.”
A Partnership for Progress
The Nimba County Superintendent believes that the commissioning of the concentrator is a symbol of a partnership that must now move forward with deeper collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect.
“Let this be the dawn of a new, shared era of industrial progress and social justice — one where investment drives growth, and growth delivers dignity. To ArcelorMittal, to the Government of Liberia, and to the people of Nimba — congratulations on this important milestone.”
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