MONROVIA – One of Liberia’s biggest and most important post-conflict concessionaires, ArcelorMittal, is hardly out of the news, and for every good reason–keeping its promises of being a valued partner to the government and people of Liberia. It is in the news yet again, as it prepares to dedicate giant-size concentrator Today, June 5, 2025, near Yekepa, the hotbed of its operations. THE ANALYST reports.
It has been gathered that ArcelorMittal Liberia will dedicate a concentrator as a buildup to its Phase II project activities. The ceremony, according to an AML source, will take place in Yekepa, Nimba County, and will be graced by a horde of VIPs, including President Joseph N. Boakai, Lakshmi N. Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, among others.
The concentrator is part of AML’s much-vaunted phase two expansion project which sources say owes massive dividends for Government, the host communities and the Liberian populace.
When dedicated, it would be West Africa’s first iron ore concentrator, facilitating upgrades of Yekepa-Buchanan rail and port handling systems.
ArcelorMittal is a global leader in steel and mining, with over 126,000 employees and operations across 60 countries, operating in Tokadeh (Nimba), with rail link to Buchanan Port (Grand Bassa).
Phase 2 Expansion is a $2 billion investment expected to triple its current operations to 20 million tonnes per year.
20 Years of Win-Win Growth
It can be recalled the company, last month, celebrated 20 years of what many commentators often called a win-win investment growth, having signed its first Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) in 2005 and commencement of DSO operations in 2011.
ArcelorMittal exported its first ore in 2012, reactivating Phase II in 2024 with a first high grade shipment expected this year.
Phase II Expansion
Official sources have hinted that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II expansion will mark a transformative milestone in Liberia’s mining sector and, and by extension, West African mining landscape.
With a capital investment exceeding USD 2 billion, this integrated project scales up iron ore production from 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to 20Mtpa, enabling the country’s emergence as a strategic player in high-grade iron ore exports.
According to a factsheet, Phase II expansion is across four key domains – mine and concentrator
Commissioning (2025); mechanical completion and wet commissioning of the 15 Mtpa concentrator is complete; and the plant is designed to upgrade 35–37% Fe hematite ore to 66%+ Fe high-grade magnetite concentrate.
Regarding mine development, the source said, there is an expansion of Tokadeh operations with additional pit development and dewatering infrastructure; installation of a primary crusher, ore handling system, and overland conveyor to concentrator.
The expansion also include plant infrastructure – tailing storage facility, process water supply system, power substation, control room, and reagent storage, and Environmental and Safety, all already permits secured, and strict environmental and safety compliance which is being followed.
On rail Infrastructure and Operations, it is said that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s rail infrastructure is being significantly upgraded to support the expansion from 5 Mtpa to 20 Mtpa concentrate transport. This involves comprehensive works across rolling stock, track, signalling, and logistics support systems – railway rehabilitation and remediation works of approximately USD 30 million largely to eexecuted by contractors including WBHO.
It also iincludes rail and sleeper replacement, track geometry correction, ballast renewal, and expansion of Buchanan rail yards and passing loops; over 440,000 new sleepers installed
230,000 meters of track geometry correction (line, level, tamping) completed.
Another AM|L source said the expansion also entails additional USD 25 million in contracted rail services which is currently in progress, new rolling stock acquisition of USD 135 million for 16 new locomotives and 700 wagons to meet 15 Mtpa rail throughput requirements.
“There is supports phased expansion and rolling efficiency; rail remediation materials procurement at USD 70 million for purchase of rails, steel sleepers, fasteners, and other critical track infrastructure components, workshop construction in Buchanan at approximately USD 20 million for a sew, state-of-the-art maintenance facility for locomotives and wagons, located at the port to service both existing and new rolling stock,” said AML source about the Phase II Expansion project.
The source added that there is also rail infrastructure improvements that requires track rehabilitation along the full Tokadeh-to-Buchanan corridor; the construction of new passing loops at Kitoma, Blezi, and Bakhon.
The project also requires the implementation of FAS-PAS signaling and VHF communication systems for safer, efficient operations, rolling stock operations, with 710 wagons total, including 260 refurbished units.Fleet includes 13 GE locomotives (5 reused) and 2 switchers; half-consist trains operate in rotation for efficient loading and unloading cycles.
Port Expansion – Buchanan
There will also be berth expansion and dredging: Jetty berth extended to accommodate Panamax vessels for high-volume loading. The dredging works have deepened the channel to support larger vessels.
The also spoke of new ship-loader installation: automated ship-loader system installed with 6,000–8,000 tph loading rate, and conveyor extensions integrated from the stockyard to the ship-loader.
According the sources, the Phase II expansion incorporates stockyard and material Handling:
new stackers, reclaimers, and yard conveyors to support 15 Mtpa, with additional stockpile pads built with enhanced dust control systems.
Speaking of Port Control and Safety, the AML sources also mentioned port control tower commissioned, with radar, VHF radio, and CCTV systems, with firefighting, dust suppression, and spill containment systems upgraded.
Socioeconomic Impact and Sustainability
In offing also is socioeconomic impact and sustainability that require local employment and training to benefit 3,000 Liberians that will be employed during construction, while thousands more get indirect jobs.
The AML’s ongoing technical skills training programs in mechanical, electrical, and operations is also noted, as well as the big one–national revenue and royalties, as the company is the Liberia’s largest taxpayer, with increased royalty payments and revenue share anticipated post-expansion.
Under the socioeconomic impact and sustainability is what the sources called significant investments in housing, healthcare, schools, and local infrastructure, establishing strong partnerships with local governments and NGOs for sustainable development.
Environmental Compliance
Already, a full ESIA is conducted and approved for Phase II, with ongoing monitoring and mitigation in place for air, water, and biodiversity.
Generally, the ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II expansion is a strategic investment into the long-term prosperity of Liberia.
Beyond mining, it represents a modern industrial corridor from mine to port—transforming local communities, strengthening national infrastructure, and elevating Liberia’s role in global steel supply chains.