ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), a pivotal player in the country’s mining sector, has unveiled an innovative digital resettlement and land compensation policy aimed at promoting fairness, transparency, and structure in its land acquisition and compensation processes.
This transformative initiative spans all of AML’s operational areas, including mining sites in Nimba County, the Buchanan Port in Grand Bassa, the Yekepa-Buchanan railway corridor, and the Neekreen rock quarry in Grand Bassa County.
The new policy introduces a digital framework that integrates technology with community engagement, addressing longstanding issues related to land rights and compensation disputes.
This marked shift seeks to redefine interactions between landowners, farmers, and concessionaires in Liberia, particularly in resource-rich regions that have faced governance challenges.
According to AML’s Resettlement Officer, Shad Whabyely, the policy represents significant progress in ensuring efficient and credible land processes. “At the heart of this new policy is a structured approach that keeps affected landowners and farmers informed, consulted, and fairly compensated,” he stated.
The process begins with AML submitting formal land use requests, followed by comprehensive community consultations and awareness sessions. These initiatives aim to educate local residents on the procedures, eligibility criteria, and the roles of various stakeholders, including the government, AML, and community members.
A thorough baseline survey and crop inventory are conducted to document existing conditions before any transactions occur. Farmers receive Resettlement ID Books embedded with QR codes to facilitate accurate identification and tracking, linking them to verified data on AML’s digital land management platform. Compensation payments are processed in compliance with national guidelines following this verification.
To prevent speculative planting and misuse of land, the policy outlines specific eligibility criteria: only crops planted before January 1, 2020, within designated concession zones qualify for compensation, evaluated in accordance with Ministry of Agriculture standards.
Crops planted after this cutoff in concession areas are ineligible unless located on private land, in which case appropriate compensation will be determined by the Ministry of Agriculture. These measures aim to curtail abuses that have historically plagued resettlement schemes in Liberia and the wider region.
In addition to crop compensation, AML’s policy establishes a framework for leasing private land required for operations. This includes formal lease agreements that ensure fair pricing and terms while providing a grievance resolution mechanism to address landowner and farmer concerns.
Marcus Wleh, AML’s Head of Sustainability and External Relations, highlighted the policy’s role in fostering enduring partnerships with local communities. “This policy is a significant step towards establishing sustainable relationships, reflecting our evolving approach to corporate social responsibility,” he said.
Local and government officials have praised AML’s initiative as a progressive advancement in concession-community relations. Amos W. Solee, representing the Nimba County Agriculture Office, endorsed AML’s structured engagement, urging farmers to stay informed about current crop pricing policies.
Likewise, Augustus Greaves, a respected community leader in Grand Bassa, deemed the digital policy timely and crucial, emphasizing the need for widespread dissemination to ensure farmers know their rights and can plan for the future.
AML is actively organizing information sessions throughout its operational counties to educate affected farmers and landowners on the new system. Community members are encouraged to attend these meetings, register for their Resettlement ID Books, and voice any complaints or concerns through AML’s official channels.
By adopting this digital approach, ArcelorMittal Liberia aims to set a benchmark for responsible land management practices in West Africa’s extractive sector. The integration of digital tools, verification processes, and community engagement could serve as a model for other natural resource companies operating in similar contexts.
As Liberia continues to navigate land-related disputes, particularly in concession areas, AML’s policy could signify a crucial evolution in how companies engage with rural communities, balancing corporate interests with the rights and dignity of local landowners.
The successful implementation of this policy could further enhance AML’s social license to operate and establish a new standard for inclusive and transparent resource governance in Liberia.
