President Joseph Boakai and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal attended the inauguration of a state-of-the-art iron ore concentrator plant in Tokadeh, Nimba County, a milestone for the country’s mining industry.
This facility, with a capacity of 20 million tonnes per annum, is among the largest of its kind in Africa and marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s industrial development.
The new concentrator is central to ArcelorMittal’s $1.8 billion expansion project in Liberia, which aims to increase iron ore production from 5 million to 20 million tonnes annually.
This expansion brings ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Liberia to approximately $3 billion, underscoring the company’s long-term commitment to the country’s economic growth.
The project also includes substantial infrastructure upgrades, such as the rehabilitation of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway and enhancements to the Buchanan port facilities.
These developments are expected to create over 5,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions for Liberians, significantly boosting employment and economic activity in the region.
President Boakai expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This level of expansion of investment is a testament to the increasing confidence in the security and well-being of the state, as well as the current state and future direction of this country’s investment climate.” 
He highlighted the positive impact on job creation and the broader economy, noting that the expansion is expected to generate over 5,000 on-site construction jobs and 1,000 permanent roles upon completion.
ArcelorMittal’s Lakshmi Mittal emphasized the strategic importance of the new concentrator, remarking, “This state-of-the-art concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia. It will quadruple our capabilities from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, continue to provide jobs for thousands of Liberians, and make an important contribution to Liberia’s economic prosperity.”
The inauguration of this facility not only strengthens Liberia’s position in the global mining industry but also demonstrates the successful partnership between the Liberian government and ArcelorMittal.
The project is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits, including increased government revenues and enhanced infrastructure, paving the way for sustained growth and development in the region.
