Liberia Launches New Industrial Era with $1.9 Billion ArcelorMittal Iron Ore Concentrator

By Feeme M. Wantee

June 12, 2025

Monrovia: Liberia has marked a historic step forward in its industrial development with the official commissioning of its first iron ore concentrator, a $1.9 billion investment by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML).

This facility, described by Acting CEO and Chief Operating Officer Anthony P. Kocken as a “historic milestone,” is a key component of the country’s industrial transformation.

Speaking at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism regular briefing, Mr. Kocken confirmed that the state-of-the-art facility jointly inaugurated by President Joseph Boakai and ArcelorMittal Group Chairman Lakshmi Mittal is now fully operational.

The concentrator establishes Liberia as a leader in value-added mineral processing in the West African region. “This isn’t just a plant, it’s a symbol of transformation, shared progress, and lasting partnership,” Kocken stated.

The concentrator is central to AML’s $1.9 billion Phase 2 Expansion Project, part of a broader $3.5 billion investment, the largest private-sector commitment in Liberia’s history and one of the most significant in West Africa’s iron ore industry.

Built to process medium-grade ore into high-grade iron locally, the facility is expected to quadruple AML’s annual production from 5 million to 20 million metric tons. This output increase is powered by cutting-edge infrastructure, including magnetic separation technology, advanced grinding systems, and comprehensive environmental controls.

The facility is also fully integrated with AML’s 243-kilometer Tokadeh-to-Buchanan railway and the upgraded Port of Buchanan, providing seamless transport and enhanced export logistics.

AML is also investing heavily in human capital through its Technical Training Academies, the company offers free, internationally certified vocational training to Liberian youth. To date: 163 graduates have joined AML’s workforce 138 trainees are currently enrolled 122 technicians who completed a two-year program are now working at the concentrator An additional 90 students are in active training.

The company is expanding its Technical Center in Buchanan to train more Liberians in fields such as welding, electrical systems, mechanical fitting, and boiler making. “This is about more than jobs it’s about building a new industrial generation in Liberia, and Liberians are leading this transformation,” Kocken emphasized.

The new concentrator is projected to significantly increase national revenue from around $35 million to over $125 million annually. These funds are expected to support essential sectors including education, health, and infrastructure. The project has already created more than 5,000 construction jobs and will generate an additional 3,000 permanent positions. Liberian-owned businesses are also seeing increased opportunities in AML’s expanding supply chain.

As part of its social impact commitments, AML will raise its annual contribution to the Community Social Development Fund (CSDF) to $4 million.

This fund will benefit Grand Bassa, Bong, and Nimba Counties through: Public infrastructure projects Youth empowerment programs Health and education initiatives In addition, AML continues to support local clinics, schools, vocational centers, and both domestic and international scholarship programs.

 On the environmental front, the company is actively pursuing sustainable mining practices, including: Biodiversity protection Land reclamation and reforestation Tailings management and pollution control “These actions demonstrate our commitment to protecting Liberia’s natural heritage for future generations,” Kocken said.

His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Cabernet has commission the concentrator as a new dawn for Liberia’s mining sector signaling a shift from raw mineral exports to refined, high-value products.

Looking ahead, AML has plans to expand its operations further, targeting an increase in annual production to 30 million metric tons. This would reinforce Liberia’s position as a major mining hub in the region.

“We are here for the long-term working hand-in-hand with the Liberian people to build a future of shared moving forward” Mr. Kocken said. With bold investment, sustainable strategies, and a focus on local empowerment, ArcelorMittal’s new concentrator stands as a beacon of Liberia’s economic resurgence and a clear step toward national self-reliance and industrial growth.