Authorities at the National Bureau of Concession (NBC), headed by its Director General, Hanson Kiazolu, are currently on an official monitoring mission at ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) in Nimba County.
The NBC delegation is to monitor compliance with concession agreements, assess concession projects and infrastructure, as well engage concessionaires, local communities and other stakeholders in Nimba and Grand Bassa counties.
The visit forms part of NBC’s Decentralization Agenda, which seeks to strengthen oversight of concession operations, while creating greater opportunities for Liberians.
The monitoring exercise began with a face-to-face engagement at AML offices, where the NBC delegation met with senior management team, led by its chief executive officer (CEO), Michiel Van der Merwe.
Mr. Merwe welcomed the NBC team, and expressed appreciation to the government for the engagement, thus, reaffirming AML’s commitment to fulfil its responsibilities as a concession company.
He spoke of how ArcelorMittal has made one of the largest private sector investments in the country since 2005, totaling approximately US$3.5 billion.
Some of the investments include, the rehabilitation of railroads, port facilities, power systems and township infrastructure, as full mining operations officially commenced in 2011.
Mr. Merwe said, AML has also significantly increased iron ore export capacity from five million tons annually, to about 10 million tons in 2025, with a projection of reaching 20 million tons by early 2027.
“The company currently provides over 11,700 direct jobs, with 89 percent of its workforce made up of Liberians, demonstrating strong commitment to localization and skills development,”
“Additionally, AML has contributed US$53.2 million to the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) to support development projects in host communities.”
Merwe noted that the company is currently undertaking major expansion projects, including upgrades to the port facility, railway system and the construction of a new concentrator complex at Tokadeh.
For this, they operate 10 engines at the Tokadeh powerhouse to support its mining operations.
He assured of AML’s strong commitment to employees’ safety and community protection, working closely with the Liberia National Police (LNP) while also conducting railroad safety awareness campaigns through radio programs and community outreach initiatives.
“The company also contributes to social development through its education and health program. AML operates two primary schools and one secondary school, while supporting 34 professionals and 99 students studying abroad through scholarship programs.”
NBC officials raised concerns about railroad safety awareness and local content opportunities for Liberian businesses and workers.
The Commission also inquired about future infrastructure expansion, including the possibility of constructing additional railway lines.
Meanwhile, the Commission disclosed how plans are underway for the biannual ministerial engagements within a 90-day period to strengthen collaboration between government and concession companies.
The NBC delegation said the monitoring mission reflects government’s commitment to ensure that concession agreements deliver real economic benefits, infrastructure development, employment opportunities and environment protection for the Liberian people.
The compliance and monitoring exercise will continue in Nimba and Grand Bassa counties, with further engagements planned with communities and other stakeholders.
Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370