Nimba County, Liberia: – Citizens from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) affected communities gathered in Sanniquellie City, demanding that the government take a bottom-up approach in negotiating deals that directly impact them. Chiefs, elders, and concerned residents, more than 70 in total, expressed their overwhelming support for AML’s expansion and the ratification of its amended Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). However, they made it clear that their endorsement came with conditions: they wanted direct access to concession benefits. For years, one of the major sources of tension between local communities and multinational companies has been the way development funds are handled. While AML pays millions of dollars annually for community development, those funds go directly to the government’s consolidated accounts instead of reaching the communities directly. Citizens argue that this bureaucratic process often results in delays, misallocation, or outright denial of funds meant to improve their lives. “ArcelorMittal has contributed significantly to Liberia’s economy, and we acknowledge that,” a community leader stated. “But we cannot continue to sit back while decisions about our welfare are made far away in Monrovia. We must have a direct say in how these funds are managed.” A Call for Financial Transparency and Direct Access to Funds Under the existing agreement, AML pays $1.5 million to Nimba County, $1 million to Grand Bassa County, and $500,000 to Bong County annually. Since the agreement came into effect, the company has contributed over $48 million to these countries, yet most of that money is controlled by the central government. “This time, as AML expands, we want a complete turnaround,” another community representative declared. “We are demanding that all community development funds be deposited in a separate account managed by local representatives, not just the government.” The citizens have proposed a transparent financial management system where AML, the local government, and community leaders collectively oversee how development funds are allocated and spent. “All the money for community development paid by ArcelorMittal should be placed in a separate account,” an elder insisted. “This will ensure that funds are used for projects that directly impact our people, rather than being lost in Monrovia’s bureaucracy.” Demand for Increased Social Development Funds and Land Rental Fees The community leaders also emphasized that AML’s financial commitments must increase to match the scale of its expansion. They demanded that the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) be raised in proportion to the company’s increased mining output. Additionally, they insisted that 60% of land user fees be directed to affected communities, arguing that they are the rightful custodians of the land. “We are the ones living with the impact of mining operations dust, noise, and environmental changes,” one community member explained. “It is only fair that a significant portion of the land rental fees come directly to us.” ArcelorMittal’s Expansion and Job Creation ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase II expansion is set to transform the region. With a projected capacity of 15 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate, the project includes a state-of-the-art concentrator plant and major upgrades to the existing rail and port infrastructure. The expansion is expected to be commissioned in 2025, providing a massive economic boost. The project has already created over 3,000 new jobs for Liberians and is expected to be a game-changer for both the company and the country.
However, citizens say that while they welcome this progress, their concerns must be addressed to ensure that the benefits of AML’s presence are felt at the grassroots level. “Our communities should not just be spectators in this development,” a youth representative stated. “We should be direct beneficiaries. We are asking for fairness, nothing more.” As negotiations continue over AML’s amended MDA, the affected communities are making it clear: their support comes with expectations. They are demanding transparency, direct financial benefits, and a stronger commitment to community development. And this time, they say, they will not be ignored.
