Monrovia, Liberia – As ArcelorMittal Liberia’s 20th-anniversary celebrations continue, a legacy employee is reflecting on the company’s remarkable contributions, particularly its investment in revitalizing Liberia’s railway, which belongs to the government and people of Liberia.
James Gibson, the very first employee of ArcelorMittal Liberia, has hailed the company for its crucial role in restoring and maintaining the rail infrastructure, which was on the verge of collapse before AML’s intervention.
Gibson’s presence at the anniversary celebration was a moment of pride and nostalgia. Reflecting on the early days of ArcelorMittal Liberia, he shared powerful insights about the company’s humble beginnings and its transformation into a leading player in Liberia’s mining sector.
“You have taken a herculean step,” Gibson remarked, recalling the early challenges faced by the company. “When we started ArcelorMittal at room number 160 in the Mamba Point Hotel, it was John White, Rashe Guen, and his wife, and we started this company from here.”
Gibson detailed the challenges of reviving Liberia’s rail infrastructure, a crucial component of ArcelorMittal’s operations. “We went to Buchanan and we walked the railroad. I think we stopped at St. John Bridge and came back. We had to tell the Liberian government that it was not possible to get railway ballots from here. Because people were saying we got all these people here breaking rocks, but they failed to realize ballots are not rock breaking.”
His efforts in persuading the government were instrumental in securing the necessary materials for the railway’s rehabilitation. “I convinced the members of the House of Representatives. I convinced Gyude Bryant (peace be unto him now) before we were allowed to bring ballots for the repair of the railroad,” he said.
Gibson also highlighted Arcelor Mittal’s vital role in preserving Liberia’s railway system. “I see people talking about railroad, railroad, railroad—if it wasn’t for ArcelorMittal, there would be no railroad. Because people were looting the railroad.”
Expressing his pride in the company’s achievements, he added, “I was passing and I saw ArcelorMittal and I said, ‘That’s my company.’”
His words are a testament to the deep sense of ownership and dedication that have been at the heart of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s journey over the past two decades. As the company moves forward, it remains committed to the values of resilience, innovation, and community development that pioneers like James Gibson helped to establish.
This year, ArcelorMittal Liberia is celebrating two decades of operations in the country, reflecting on its achievements and contributions to national development. Over the years, the company has invested billions of dollars into Liberia’s economy, transforming the mining sector and creating thousands of jobs for Liberians. Its Phase Two expansion plan is set to significantly increase iron ore production and further strengthen Liberia’s mining industry. The expansion includes the construction of new processing plants, additional rail infrastructure, and enhanced port facilities in Buchanan, which will boost exports and revenue generation for the country.
Beyond mining, ArcelorMittal Liberia continues to provide employment opportunities for thousands of Liberians, offering training and career development programs to enhance local workforce capabilities. The company has also contributed to community development initiatives, investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects that improve the livelihoods of people in the areas where it operates.
In addition to its historical contributions, ArcelorMittal Liberia has made substantial investments in rail infrastructure, ensuring efficient transportation of iron ore and boosting the country’s logistical capabilities. The company has undertaken extensive rehabilitation and expansion of the rail network, making it one of the most modernized transport systems in Liberia. As ArcelorMittal expands its operations, it has also expressed a willingness to allow other companies to utilize the rail facility, fostering a shared infrastructure model that promotes economic growth and industrial cooperation in the region.
In the celebration of its milestone, the company reaffirms its long-term commitment to Liberia’s economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development, ensuring that its impact continues to be felt across generations.
