By: Edmund C. Gbarwee
Kpowin Town, Nimba County – April 2025: – Development initiatives fully funded by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) under the County Social Development Fund (CSDF) are shooting up in Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District, Nimba County, local authorities have confirmed.
Speaking during an interview with Nimba D-9 TV in Kpowin Town, District Superintendent Paul Jackson said the district is experiencing infrastructure growth due to the combination of strong government leadership and strategic partnerships with the private sector, notably ArcelorMittal Liberia.
“For the first time since 1964, we are witnessing what good leadership and real corporate partnership can achieve,” Jackson said. “Under previous leadership, we had hopes. But today, those hopes are materializing into tangible developments.”
Among the projects currently underway are the construction of a modern Commissioner Compound in Kpowin Town for Zehnla Administrative District; a new Police Station in Zekepa, the district’s administrative headquarters; a Commissioner Compound in Ganwee for Mehnsonnoh Administrative District; and another modern Commissioner Compound in Zahnzayee for Blinlon Administrative District.
All these projects are being funded through the CSDF, with contributions from ArcelorMittal Liberia, the country’s largest private investor, which alone has contributed more than US$50 million to the Fund since its establishment.
Superintendent Jackson extended appreciation to President Joseph N. Boakai Sr., Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung Sr., and members of the 55th Nimba Legislative Caucus for what he described as a
“New chapter of real-time development”
In the county. He also acknowledged County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono for providing leadership that has helped prioritize infrastructure development across Nimba.
“The people are ready to work with our leaders. With a government that listens, a committed caucus, and corporate partners like ArcelorMittal Liberia, Nimba County is entering a new era of transformation,” Jackson said.
ArcelorMittal Liberia’s community support extends beyond the Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District. In addition to contributions to the CSDF, the company has invested millions of dollars in other social programs in its operational counties of Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties.
The company has renovated and constructed schools, clinics, and community centers; supported public health campaigns; funded scholarships for hundreds of Liberian students pursuing higher education in mining and engineering; and sponsored vocational training programs aimed at building Liberia’s skilled workforce.
According to ArcelorMittal Liberia’s latest community development report, over US$40 million has been invested in community development initiatives outside of its regular CSDF contributions.
In Grand Bassa, AML is fully funding and implementing a range of new community development projects under the company’s Community Development Fund, which include road rehabilitation, water projects, and education infrastructure.
Meanwhile, ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Phase-II Expansion Project is expected to deepen the company’s contribution to Liberia’s economy. With a projected investment exceeding US$1.7 billion, the expansion will significantly increase iron ore production and associated economic benefits.
Phase-II Expansion includes the construction of a new ore concentrator plant in Zolowee, the expansion and modernization of the Yekepa-Buchanan railway, and enhancements to the Buchanan Port to accommodate larger vessels and increased ore export.
Company officials say that once fully implemented, Phase II Expansion will triple ArcelorMittal’s annual production from 5 million tonnes to 15 million tonnes of high-grade iron ore.
The expansion is expected to create over 2,000 direct construction jobs, with the majority going to Liberians. It is also projected to stimulate thousands of indirect jobs across agriculture, services, logistics, and transportation sectors.
ArcelorMittal Liberia has emphasized that it is committed to maximizing Liberian participation through new technical training programs, apprenticeship schemes, and capacity-building initiatives designed to equip local workers with the skills needed for jobs in the mining and rail sectors.
Additionally, the Liberian government stands to benefit from increased revenue streams through taxes, royalties, and social development contributions tied to the company’s expanded operations.
Residents of Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District say the ongoing developments are already changing the face of their communities.
For decades, government presence in the district was minimal, with local leaders operating from temporary facilities. The construction of permanent Commissioner Compounds and a modern police station marks a shift toward stronger governance, the rule of law, and service delivery.
“These projects symbolize hope, opportunity, and a better future for our children,” said Moses Zor, a local youth leader in Kpowin Town. “We are grateful to ArcelorMittal and our government for making this possible.”
With more projects expected under the CSDF and additional opportunities anticipated from AML’s Phase-II Expansion, Superintendent Jackson believes Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Statutory District and the wider Nimba County are well-positioned to benefit from what he called a “new era of responsible partnership and growth.”
ArcelorMittal Liberia began operations in 2006 and currently operates the Tokadeh Mountains in Nimba County, transporting iron ore by rail to the Port of Buchanan for export. The company is Liberia’s largest taxpayer, contributing more than US$45 million annually to the national revenue. It remains the leading corporate sponsor of social development projects in its operational areas.
