Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc., a U.S.-based company advancing iron ore project in Liberia says its’s close to reaching deal with the authorities following approval for environmental assessment.
The Liberian Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted approval for the Scoping Report and Terms of References (TOR) associated with the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the crucial infrastructure supporting the Kon Kweni Iron Ore Project, the company said in email statement shared with the Oracle News Daily Tuesday.
With the green light from the EPA, Ivanhoe Atlantic now moves forward to finalize the ESIA in Liberia, which covers essential infrastructure such as roads, rail, and port facilities.
The project aims to facilitate iron ore exports by connecting the existing Tokadeh – Buchanan rail line to the Buchanan Port, thus streamlining logistical operations for the iron ore sector.
Negotiations for the Infrastructure Concession and Access Agreement between Ivanhoe and the Government of Liberia are nearing completion, with an announcement expected imminently, it said.
“The Concession and Access Agreement will provide the financial and technical framework for access to the existing Tokadeh – Buchanan rail line and Buchanan Port
“The Government of Liberia has confirmed that the rail line will be independently operated, multi-user and overseen by the National Rail Authority.”
The timely approval of the TOR signifies a productive partnership with the Liberian government, characterized by transparency and professionalism, Bronwyn Barnes, President and CEO of Ivanhoe Atlantic.
“We are excited to have worked collaboratively with local communities and government stakeholders to complete this important phase of the ESIA process. Our commitment to meeting international best practice standards remains steadfast, and we are eager to begin construction activities at Kon Kweni later in 2025.” 
The Phase 1 development of the Kon Kweni Project anticipates an initial production capacity of 2-5 million tons per annum (Mtpa) of iron ore. Key infrastructure plans include:
– 46 km of upgraded road infrastructure to facilitate the transport of iron ore from Guinea to the rail line at Tokadeh.
– New rail siding construction at Tokadeh, complete with stockpile and loading facilities.
– Access to the Tokadeh to Buchanan rail line for exporting iron ore.
– New facilities at Buchanan Port, including stockpiling and ship loading at a dedicated berth.
Ivanhoe said its investment in Liberian infrastructure under the Phase 1 plan amounts to approximately $50 million, which is projected to create around 470 jobs during the construction phase and an estimated 370 jobs during the operational phase.
The ESIA will assess potential environmental and social impacts and will prioritize extensive consultation with local communities and key stakeholders.
The assessment process will be conducted by Earthtime Inc., a prominent EPA-certified environmental and social consulting firm in Liberia, with collaboration from the Ivanhoe Atlantic and Ivanhoe Liberia teams.
