Liberia: – At the heart of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations lies a strong and deliberate commitment: to put Liberians, especially the youth, at the forefront of its success story. With more than 3,000 direct Liberian employees, the company is a living example of how a global enterprise can empower a local workforce to drive national transformation.
From mining operations to executive leadership, Liberians are not just occupying roles, they are shaping strategy, leading innovation, and building a new era of pride and productivity. In Grand Bassa County, engineer Augustine Quaye leads cutting-edge operations at the company’s advanced concentrator plant. In finance, Elizabeth Kollie upholds accountability and financial integrity. These are not exceptions; they represent a larger movement toward Liberian excellence.
This inclusive model reflects ArcelorMittal Liberia’s long-term vision: when Liberians grow, Liberia grows. Unlike many companies that rely heavily on expatriate talent, ArcelorMittal is building from within, investing in skills, leadership, and confidence to fuel national and global competitiveness.
“The company has shown me that hard work and learning can take me anywhere. I never thought I’d be leading a team of 40 people,”
Emmanuel Nyan, Shift Supervisor who started as a machine helper 10 years ago.
As Liberia celebrates 178 years of independence, AML’s workforce reflects something far deeper: a transformative shift where Liberians are no longer merely participants in the economy, they are drivers of it. Through one of West Africa’s most complex iron ore concentrator plants, Liberian professionals are placing the nation firmly on the global map. The high-grade ore they produce is powering global steel production, evidence of their growing influence beyond Liberia’s borders.
A Workforce that Reflects National Ownership
As of May 31, 2025, ArcelorMittal Liberia employed 2,848 full-time staff, of which 2,555 (90%) are Liberians. Just 293 positions (10%) are held by expatriates, brought in for highly specialized technical roles required for the successful delivery of AML’s Phase Two expansion, including a new power plant, expanded rail infrastructure, a modern tailings facility, and a state-of-the-art ore concentrator.
These expatriates work hand-in-hand with Liberians, ensuring a consistent transfer of skills and technical know-how. This collaboration is essential not just to the project’s current success, but to building a future where Liberians can independently operate, manage, and innovate across the mining value chain.
Liberian engineers, electricians, welders, and operators are receiving hands-on training with modern systems and infrastructure rarely seen in the country. This is more than a job, it’s a long-term capacity-building model that’s preparing Liberians to take full ownership of the nation’s industrial future.
A Broader Economic Impact
In addition to its full-time workforce, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase Two expansion has created thousands of additional jobs. As of April 30, 2025, AML employed 6,147 fixed-term and contractor workers. Of these, 4,705 (77%) are Liberians, and 1,442 (23%) are expatriates providing technical and construction expertise.
When combined, AML’s total workforce stands at 8,995 employees, with 7,260 Liberians making up 81% of the workforce, a testament to AML’s commitment to building local capacity and strengthening economic resilience.
This structure directly supports thousands of Liberian households through stable incomes and uplifts entire communities with improved standards of living, education access, and increased youth participation in national development.
Delivering on Its Promises
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s employment records show the company is not just meeting, but in many ways exceeding, its obligations under the Mineral Development Agreement. The company has expressed openness to any labor-related audit and invites independent verification of its employment figures, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and accountability.
A Model of Local Empowerment in a Global Industry
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s employment strategy is not only transforming lives; it’s building a nation. It shows what’s possible when a company believes in local talent and invests in their potential. Today, the global iron ore supply chain carries the fingerprints of Liberian engineers, operators, and administrators whose work drives pride at home and excellence abroad.
With Liberian youths steadily rising through the ranks, gaining leadership positions, and mastering world-class technologies, ArcelorMittal Liberia isn’t just mining ore, it’s mining potential, passion, and progress for generations to come.
