ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Liberia, announcing plans to remain a major investor in the country for at least another 40 years while projecting a fourfold increase in iron ore exports to more than 20 million metric tons by 2027.
The pledge was made by ArcelorMittal Liberia Chief Executive Officer Michiel van der Merwe during the opening plenary session of the Liberia International Mining and Energy Conference (LIMEC) on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Addressing President Joseph Boakai, senior government officials, investors, and stakeholders in the mining and energy sectors, van der Merwe said ArcelorMittal’s total investment in Liberia is approaching US$4 billion, spanning mining operations, railway and port infrastructure, power generation, and community development initiatives.
He described the company’s presence in Liberia as a long-term partnership that has contributed significantly to the country’s economic recovery and industrial growth since the reopening of the iron ore sector in 2011.
“Over the past two decades, ArcelorMittal has remained committed to Liberia through changing economic conditions and successive governments,” van der Merwe said, noting that the company’s investments have generated employment opportunities, strengthened local businesses, and enhanced technical skills among Liberians.
A central focus of his address was the company’s ongoing Phase II Expansion Project, which he said is transforming ArcelorMittal Liberia into one of the largest iron ore mining operations on the African continent.
According to van der Merwe, one of the project’s most significant achievements is the commissioning of Liberia’s first large-scale iron ore concentrator. The facility will enable the production of premium-grade iron ore concentrate for international markets, including steel manufacturers increasingly adopting lower-carbon production technologies.
The CEO emphasized that the expansion positions Liberia to play a larger role in the global mining industry while creating new opportunities for economic growth and revenue generation.
ArcelorMittal has also invested heavily in transportation infrastructure to support the anticipated growth in production. Van der Merwe disclosed that approximately US$800 million has been spent on rehabilitating and expanding the government-owned railway and port facilities that serve the company’s operations.
The upgraded infrastructure is expected to significantly increase the movement of iron ore from the company’s mining sites in Nimba County to the Port of Buchanan for export.
Currently, ArcelorMittal exports less than five million metric tons of iron ore annually. However, with the completion of the Phase II expansion, the company expects exports to exceed 20 million metric tons in 2027.
Van der Merwe further revealed that ArcelorMittal is preparing for an additional increase in production capacity to 30 million metric tons, adding that the ongoing railway expansion has already been designed to accommodate future growth.
On the issue of shared infrastructure, the CEO reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining the Tokadeh-to-Buchanan railway as a multiuser corridor, allowing other mining companies operating in Liberia to access the rail network for transporting minerals.
He noted that provisions contained in the recently ratified Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) guarantee access to qualified third-party users, with the Government of Liberia retaining authority over decisions regarding railway access.
According to van der Merwe, companies seeking to utilize the corridor will be required to finance only the infrastructure needed for their specific expansion requirements, since ArcelorMittal has already undertaken the foundational investments necessary to modernize the railway.
He also disclosed that discussions are nearing completion on the Rail Systems Operating Principles, a framework that will govern the operation of the multiuser rail network. The arrangement includes plans for the railway to be managed by an independent operating company beginning in 2030.
Van der Merwe described the proposed independent rail operator as a critical step toward developing shared infrastructure capable of unlocking additional mining opportunities, attracting fresh investment, and accelerating Liberia’s economic development.
In addition, he said ArcelorMittal and the Liberian government are aligned on plans to establish a National Rail Authority, which would oversee the development, regulation, and management of railway corridors across the country.
Beyond infrastructure and production targets, the AML chief stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, investors, mining companies, and local communities. He underscored the importance of continued investment in education, training, and workforce development to ensure Liberians are equipped to lead the nation’s future industries.
“Liberia possesses the resources, strategic location, and investment potential needed to compete globally,” he said, adding that sustained prosperity will depend on collective commitment and cooperation among all stakeholders.
Van der Merwe concluded by reaffirming ArcelorMittal Liberia’s intention to remain a key partner in the country’s development, emphasizing that after investing in Liberia for the past 20 years, the company stands ready to continue contributing to national growth for another four decades and beyond.
