Gbarpa, Nimba County – March 2025 – In a landmark town hall meeting held late Thursday evening, Nimba County Superintendent Kou Miapeh Gono gathered local stakeholders, youth groups, and community members in Gbarpa to deliberate on the future of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) operations in the region.

Superintendent Gono acknowledged the recent resolution by chiefs, elders, and citizens of affected communities, who petitioned the government to extend AML’s stay in Liberia. Addressing the gathering, she emphasized the need for constructive engagement with both AML and the national government.

“This is not a bad thing,” she stated. “But the people of Nimba need to come to the table, and that is why I am here. I want to sit with stakeholders, young people, and all of you to see how we can engage ArcelorMittal and the government so that things can be done the way we all want them to be done.”

Focus on Job Creation and Economic Growth

A key concern raised during the meeting was job creation for Nimba citizens. Superintendent Gono acknowledged the challenges, given AML’s status as Liberia’s largest concessionaire, which attracts job seekers from across the country.

“We talk about jobs it’s a big thing, and we need these jobs created every time,” she emphasized. “AML is the biggest concession company in the country, so people who want jobs come from all over Liberia. But our young people here need jobs too.”

She reassured attendees that she has been in discussions with AML’s CEO and senior management to ensure that community expectations are met. “We know things in the past have not been 100%, but in recent times, I have tried to have a good conversation with the CEO and top management about what our people expect.”

A Community-Driven Petition

Superintendent Gono noted that the recent endorsement by the affected communities was not merely a call for AML’s expansion but a demand for improved conditions and benefits for residents. She pledged to consult widely with communities, towns, and villages, engage the Nimba Legislative Caucus, and consolidate diverse opinions before presenting them to the national government.

“The possibility to extend their operation is huge because it is not only with us; it is with the central government,” she explained. “That is why people in the affected communities need to sit together and make it clear that they are not against the company but that they want the right thing to happen.”

Communities Endorse AML’s Expansion with Conditions

On March 18, 2025, chiefs, elders, and citizens from Yarmein, Zor, and Seh publicly expressed their support for AML’s expansion and the ratification of its Third Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). They acknowledged AML’s contributions to Liberia’s socio-economic development, including job creation, social infrastructure support, and assistance during crises such as the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks.

While endorsing AML’s continued presence, community leaders outlined several demands:

• Education & Training: Expansion of vocational training programs beyond the Yekepa Vocational Training Centre to enhance the employability of young people.
• Employment Quotas: A proposal to reserve 50% of unskilled jobs and 25% of skilled jobs for Nimba citizens to boost local employment.
• Economic Empowerment: The establishment of initiatives to foster local entrepreneurship and business development.
• Environmental Protection: Stronger measures to prevent pollution and minimize the impact of mining activities on local water supplies.
• Infrastructure Development: Improved community infrastructure in Yekepa and an expanded water supply system.
• Transparency & Accountability: The inclusion of community representatives in an independent MDA compliance monitoring team to ensure proper implementation of agreements.

Community leaders called on the Liberian government to support AML’s expansion while ensuring that these concerns are addressed in the amended MDA. They stressed that meeting these demands would be crucial for maintaining peace and promoting sustainable development in their communities.

A Regional Movement for Economic Progress

Nimba County’s endorsement of AML’s expansion follows similar expressions of support from Grand Bassa and Bong counties. With Superintendent Gono’s commitment to ongoing consultations and negotiations, Nimba County is poised to take a more active role in shaping AML’s future operations in Liberia.

The town hall meeting served as a critical step in ensuring that community voices are heard and their expectations reflected in the company’s future dealings. As discussions continue, residents remain hopeful that their collective efforts will result in tangible benefits for Nimba and its people.