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AML Declares 2025 as ‘The Year of Liberia’ With Plans to Make Liberia a Global Powerhouse in Iron Ore

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Yekepa, Nimba County – Kleber Silva, ArcelorMittal’s Global Executive Vice President and CEO of Mining has proclaimed 2025 as “The Year of Liberia” as the company accelerates its expansion efforts, strengthening both economic and community development initiatives.
During a recent visit to Yekepa, Nimba County, Silva outlined ArcelorMittal’s ambitious plans, emphasizing the significance of the ongoing Phase 2 expansion and its potential to transform Liberia into a global hub for iron ore production.
Speaking with journalists at the ArcelorMittal Hospital in Yekepa, Silva expressed optimism about the company’s future in Liberia.
“2025 will be the year of Liberia because we will complete our project, maintain a strong safety record, and foster deeper relationships with stakeholders. Together, we are positioning Liberia as a major force in the global iron ore market, supplying steelmakers worldwide with our high-quality ore and the exceptional work of our people,” Silva stated.


Accompanied by Mapi Mobwano, President and CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, and Michiel Van Der Merwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia, Silva toured Yekepa to assess the company’s impact on healthcare, access to clean water, and overall community development.
At the ArcelorMittal Hospital, the executives engaged with Liberian medical professionals, reaffirming the company’s commitment to improving healthcare services in host communities.
They also inspected key community projects, including a water supply system and a local car wash initiative aimed at providing access to clean drinking water and enhancing economic opportunities.
At Camp #4, the executives received a warm welcome from the town chief and a group of women who expressed their gratitude through the traditional presentation of kola nuts.
“Your support has been invaluable to our community,” one resident stated, thanking ArcelorMittal for its continued investment in local development.
Phase 2 Expansion: A Game-Changer for Liberia’s Economy
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase 2 expansion is expected to significantly boost Liberia’s economy, increasing iron ore production capacity from 5 million tons per year to 15 million tons, with potential for further growth.
“This project is about more than just numbers,” Silva explained. “It’s about building a future for Liberia—developing critical infrastructure, creating jobs, and empowering communities. From the mine to the plant, railroad, and port, we are ahead of schedule, reinforcing our commitment to delivering results.”
Silva expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, noting that ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations are exceeding expectations in terms of budget and efficiency.
“We are performing exceptionally well across all aspects of our operations—from mining to processing, transportation, and export. This progress is a testament to our dedication to Liberia’s long-term success,” he added.
He reiterated the company’s long-term commitment to Liberia’s economic and social development, emphasizing that ArcelorMittal is laying the groundwork for sustainable prosperity.
“Everything we are doing now is setting the stage for a brighter future. We are building a Liberia that will be recognized globally as a leader in iron ore production, serving steelmakers around the world with top-quality ore and the expertise of our workforce,” Silva said.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Job Creation
ArcelorMittal’s expansion project prioritizes sustainability, integrating advanced technologies to enhance operational safety and efficiency. The construction of a state-of-the-art ore processing plant is a key component of this initiative.
The project is also expected to create thousands of jobs once fully operational, with approximately 3,000 jobs already generated during the construction phase.
Another critical component of the expansion is the rehabilitation of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, which is nearing completion. The restored railway will facilitate ore transportation while supporting routine operations.
Reports indicate that ArcelorMittal Liberia has invested over $800 million to revitalize the Buchanan-Yekepa railway, which had been left in disrepair following Liberia’s civil war.
As the company continues to meet its project milestones, sources within ArcelorMittal confirm that 2025 will be a defining year, marked by strengthened partnerships, enhanced community welfare, and economic transformation.
Silva’s visit underscores the company’s vision of positioning Liberia as a global leader in iron ore production, driven by innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
A seasoned executive overseeing ArcelorMittal’s global mining operations, Silva is recognized for his leadership in operational excellence, sustainable business practices, and socio-economic development. His strategic approach has been instrumental in advancing Liberia’s mining sector, particularly through the Phase 2 expansion, which aims to triple iron ore production while maximizing community benefits.
With a commitment to aligning business growth with meaningful contributions to host communities, Silva has declared 2025 a landmark year for Liberia’s progress—one that promises to bring lasting economic and social impact.

1 Comment
  1. Julianne Goodson says

    Your means of telling all in this article is really fastidious, all can effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.

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