Senior Liberian ministers have publicly backed a Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) that would allow Ivanhoe-linked operations to transport Guinean iron ore through Liberia’s existing rail and port infrastructure. The officials explained to lawmakers the necessary national and bilateral approvals are already in place.
At a recent joint House of Representatives committee hearing chaired by Bong County Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, officials from the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Commission (IMCC), the National Investment Commission, the Ministries of Transport, Justice and Mines and Energy, and the Ministry of Finance delivered a coordinated defense of the CAA. Ministers outlined the economic benefits for the project, pointing to job creation, long-term revenue generation and infrastructure utilization.
Government lawyers provided a legal analysis aimed at addressing media concerns that the deal could undermine relations with neighboring Guinea.
They told lawmakers the 2019 Liberia–Guinea Implementation Agreement (IA) is a cooperation framework, not a veto mechanism and that each country retains full sovereignty over decisions taken within its territory.
The IA, they said, facilitates the movement of approved Guinean mining products through Liberia and promotes shared use of infrastructure, but does not confer joint approval powers over individual projects.
Both governments have previously issued the approvals required under the IA, officials said. 
Guinea’s Ministry of Mines authorized the export of iron ore through Liberia in 2020, and Liberia’s Minister of Transport granted a Right of Access to SMFG/Ivanhoe Liberia in 2021, subject to a rail access agreement.
Ministers told the committee these are lawful, sovereign acts that remain valid and sufficient under the IA.
The current CAA pending before the Liberian Legislature, they said, is primarily a domestic instrument that implements Liberia’s rail-and-port access regime, defines commercial and multi-user conditions, and gives practical effect to the 2021 ministerial approval. It does not create new cross-border rights nor require fresh approval from Guinea, the officials said.
The hearing also outlined key project features that are to be addressed in the CAA, including the establishment of an Independent Rail Operator, staged investment plans across multiple phases, multi-user commercial terms, and community impact initiatives.
Government officials described remaining items such as environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) and technical studies as administrative prerequisites, rather than political obstacles.
Inter-ministerial and monitoring committees, formed under the IA, were described as technical coordination bodies tasked with customs, operational and other implementation matters. Ministers said these committees do not have the mandate to review, approve or revoke prior ministerial decisions; a point intended to reassure investors and underline the legal clarity of the process.
Market analysts have argued that confirmation of rail and port access could unlock significant additional export capacity for West African iron ore producers and increase transit revenues for Liberia. For investors and project developers, the ministers’ united presentation is likely to provide greater policy certainty as the legislature considers ratifying the CAA.
The Legislature’s next steps will focus on domestic parliamentary deliberations and the ratification process, after which environmental and technical clearances will need to be completed before commercial operations commence.
