Building a Future: ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Commitment to Employee Growth Through Selmah and Tokpa’s Stories

ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) continues to prioritize employee development and strengthen workplace relations, viewing its workforce as a cornerstone of its success. The company has implemented a range of capacity-building and career advancement initiatives aimed at nurturing talent, promoting growth, and ensuring sustained success.

Recognizing that its employees are its greatest asset, ArcelorMittal Liberia has established a comprehensive employee relations policy. This policy is designed to cultivate a productive, respectful, and trust-based working environment, essential to achieving the company’s broader goals.

One key figure in the company’s operations is Jallah Selmah, the principal deputy to the Mine Manager at ArcelorMittal Liberia. Selmah plays a critical role in the operational and administrative management of the mining sites at Mounts Gangra and Yuelliton in Nimba County. His day-to-day responsibilities include ensuring that the mines run efficiently, while also maintaining compliance with safety, regulatory, environmental, and production standards.

Selmah’s journey with ArcelorMittal Liberia began in the early days of the company, during the rehabilitation of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway by Odebrecht Construction International. At the time, he served as Superintendent for Road Bridges and Culverts, contributing to the successful completion of the railway project. Following this achievement, Selmah and several other key contributors were recruited by ArcelorMittal Liberia.

With a background in construction engineering and an impressive professional track record, Selmah transitioned into the mining sector. Though the shift presented challenges, his determination led to notable success. In 2011, he was named ‘Employee of the Year’ and promoted to Mine Infrastructure Superintendent, where he oversaw the development of new mining sites. By 2014, he had advanced to Assistant Mine Manager and even acted as Mine Manager, leading his team to meet the annual production target.

Selmah’s recognized potential within AML earned him a fully funded international scholarship in 2021 to study mining engineering at the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana. His success story is just one example of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s commitment to employee growth and development.

“Maintaining positive relationships with employees is vital to our company’s continued success,” ArcelorMittal Liberia emphasizes on its website. This belief is not merely a corporate statement but a guiding principle that informs the company’s approach to staff development.

ArcelorMittal Liberia’s employee development strategy focuses on preparing its workforce for higher roles and responsibilities. Through succession planning initiatives, the company aims to build employee capabilities and create opportunities for career advancement. “Given the rapid growth of ArcelorMittal Liberia, it is essential to ensure our employees receive the necessary education to meet their responsibilities and advance their careers,” the company states.

Each year, the company’s training team in Liberia engages workers through various workshops to ensure that learning and development are continuous. New hires and contractors participate in a two-day induction training program, where they learn about safety standards, company policies, and human rights practices, helping align the workforce with ArcelorMittal Liberia’s values and ethical standards.

Another key employee, Edwin Tokpa, exemplifies the professional growth opportunities available at ArcelorMittal Liberia. Tokpa, a civil engineering graduate, started his career with Odebrecht Construction International, where he contributed to the rehabilitation of the Yekepa-Buchanan Railway, a critical infrastructure project in Liberia.

After the project’s completion, Tokpa joined ArcelorMittal Liberia as a Dispatch Superintendent. Through dedication and the company’s commitment to nurturing local talent, he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Training Operations Manager and later Rail Operations Manager. His career progression demonstrates ArcelorMittal Liberia’s investment in empowering Liberian professionals, providing them with the training and resources needed to excel in specialized fields like rail operations.

Tokpa’s success is part of a broader effort by ArcelorMittal Liberia to foster long-term career growth for Liberians, preparing them to lead in the mining industry and ensuring the company’s sustainability in the years to come.