Statement on Monday’s Protest
BUCHANAN (May 22, 2023) ̶ ArcelorMittal Liberia reports that in the early morning hours of Monday May 22, its operations were disrupted for the entire day when unknown individuals set fire to a section of the rail track between Kilometers 005 and 006 in Buchanan.
Access roads to the company’s Buchanan Concession were also blocked with tires set ablaze by some protestors, disrupting ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations, and endangering the safety and security of employees of the company, contractors, and residents.
The Liberia National Police intervened, and the AML Buchanan concession access gates were reopened but the protesters reassembled on the section of the track between Kilometers 005 and 006 in Buchanan.
In the evening hours of Monday, the protesters were persuaded away from the track.
Assessment of the of level damage done to the railroad is underway.
ArcelorMittal Liberia expresses grave concern over the repeated unlawful disruption of its operations with impunity by certain individuals.
AML emphasizes that it is always open to dialogue with all stakeholders but notes that these acts create an unsafe environment to operate and undermines the viability of its business.
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 17 countries. In 2020, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $53.3 billion and crude steel production of 71.5 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 58.0 million metric tonnes. Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).
For more information about ArcelorMittal Liberia please visit: https://liberia.arcelormittal.com/