Liberia has emerged as one of ArcelorMittal’s top three global investment priorities for 2025, placing the West African nation alongside major markets such as the United States and India, according to the company’s latest global performance report.
The world’s second-largest steel producer cited Liberia’s surging iron ore output, a \$1.2 billion investment drive, and a strong operational performance as key factors behind its strategic focus on the country. ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) operations, once viewed as peripheral, have become a critical engine of growth within the company’s global portfolio.
At the heart of this transformation is a large-scale expansion project aiming to increase annual production from 5 million to 20 million tonnes by the end of 2025. The initiative includes the construction of a 15-million-tonne concentrator, set to come online by mid-year.
“Liberia is no longer a supporting player in our mining portfolio—it is central to our global growth strategy,” the report stated, highlighting the country’s exceptional performance amid rising global demand.
The expansion has brought tangible benefits to Liberia, creating over 3,000 jobs and strengthening local economies. From engineers and equipment operators to suppliers and small businesses, Liberians are increasingly at the forefront of the sector’s development.
“AML’s investment goes beyond iron ore—it’s about building communities, skills, and opportunities,” said Scott Lowe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Liberia. The company is investing heavily in vocational training, with dozens of Liberians enrolled in programs covering mining, logistics, and mechanical operations.
Infrastructure development is also accelerating in AML’s areas of operation. In Bong, Nimba, and Grand Bassa counties, the company is improving roads, health facilities, schools, and sanitation systems. At Buchanan Port, long neglected since the country’s civil war, major upgrades are underway to support increased export volumes. The key 243-kilometer Yekepa-Buchanan railway has also been fully restored and remains operational, serving as a strategic link between inland mines and the coast.
The Liberian government has reaffirmed AML’s exclusive rights to the rail corridor, a move that strengthens investor confidence and preserves a vital national asset.
With ArcelorMittal reporting over \$1.9 billion in investable cash flow over the past year, a significant share is now being channeled into Liberia. As the nation celebrates two decades of peace and democratic governance, the investment signals international confidence in its stability and economic potential.
“Liberia is sending a strong message to the world—we are open for business and ready for long-term partnerships,” said Minister of Mines and Energy Wilmot Paye.
In addition to being one of the country’s top taxpayers, AML has also been recognized for its focus on environmental and social responsibility. The company works closely with communities and civil society to ensure that its growth is inclusive and sustainable.
For many Liberians, the transformation is deeply personal. “This used to be just a job,” said a technician in Yekepa. “Now, it feels like a future.”