His Excellency Joseph Boakai, President of Liberia, and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Mr. Lakshmi Mittal attend inauguration of new concentrator
- $1.8 billion expansion project quadruples production capacity from 5 to 20 million tonnes annually
- Significant infrastructure improvements including railway and port upgrades
- Creation of 5,000 contractor jobs and 1,000 permanent positions
- Future expansion plans to 30 million tonnes capacity with potential DRI quality concentrate production
- Railway already upgraded to handle 30 million tonnes annually
- Improvement in product quality to higher-grade, higher-value iron ore
- None.
Insights
ArcelorMittal's $1.8B Liberia expansion quadruples iron ore capacity, strengthening African production and strategic positioning.
ArcelorMittal has inaugurated a significant production milestone in Liberia with its new concentrator facility in Tokadeh. This $1.8 billion expansion represents a transformative development for both the company and Liberia's mining sector.
The new concentrator will increase ArcelorMittal's iron ore production capacity from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes annually - a 300% increase that positions this facility as one of Africa's largest iron ore beneficiation plants. Beyond just volume expansion, the upgraded facility will produce higher-grade, higher-value iron ore, which typically commands premium pricing in global markets where quality differentiation is increasingly important.
The scale of investment is noteworthy - the $1.8 billion expansion brings ArcelorMittal's total investment in Liberia to approximately $3 billion, demonstrating significant commitment to the region. The company has strategically designed the infrastructure for further scaling, with railway upgrades already enabling 30 million tonne transport capacity, aligning with their stated ambitions to eventually reach that production level.
From an operational perspective, the comprehensive approach to infrastructure development, including railway upgrades and port expansion at Buchanan, creates an integrated production and logistics chain that should enhance operational efficiency. The employment impact is substantial with 5,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent positions being created.
ArcelorMittal's future plans for potential DRI-quality concentrate production is particularly strategic, as Direct Reduced Iron processes typically require higher-grade ore and align with global steel industry trends toward less carbon-intensive production methods.
5 June 2025, 19:30 CET
Ahead of the formal commissioning of a new 20 million tonne capacity concentrator, the President of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Boakai, and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman, Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, today attended an inauguration event held at the site of the concentrator in Tokadeh, Nimba County.
Coming soon after ArcelorMittal celebrated 20 years of mining in Liberia, the new state-of-the-art concentrator is one of the largest iron ore beneficiation plants in Africa. It is the central component of ArcelorMittal’s US
The expansion project also involved investment in accompanying infrastructure assets. The railway from Tokadeh to Buchanan is being upgraded, while a new pier has been added at the port of Buchanan, along with associated material handling infrastructure.
5,000 contractors have been brought in to support the project, in addition to the 2,000 people permanently employed by ArcelorMittal in Liberia.
Speaking at the inauguration, His Excellency President Joseph Boakai said:
“This level of expansion of investment is a testament to the increasing confidence in the security and well-being of the state, as well as the current state and future direction of this country’s investment climate. This brings great relief to our economy noting that it is impacting the area of job creation. We are informed that this has already created over 5,000 on site construction jobs and is expected to generate 1,000 permanent job roles upon its completion.
“No doubt, such a huge expansion augurs well for the enriching of the corporate social responsibility envelope, thereby positively impacting areas of health, education, commerce, and employment. We commend ArcelorMittal Liberia for this bold and courageous step and further urge to press forward with its other investment pursuits like the railway expansion, port enhancement, and power plant installations.”
Mr. Lakshmi Mittal, Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal said:
“It is wonderful to be here again in Liberia to celebrate this very important milestone in the history of mining in the country. We have been working towards this moment for many years and to have President Boakai here makes it especially memorable. I must thank him for taking the time to travel to Nimba.
“This state-of-the-art concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia. It will quadruple our capabilities from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, continue to provide jobs for thousands of Liberians and make an important contribution to Liberia’s economic prosperity.
“We are very proud of the contribution we have made to this country over the last 20 years. We very much enjoy being part of the community and take our responsibility to the country and its people very seriously. Part of this contribution has related to significant infrastructure upgrades, including roads, townships and power generation, which I hope will have a broader positive impact on the local economy.
“Many people have been involved in the success of this project. I cannot list them all here but to everyone who has played a part – thank you. You are making a vital contribution to the future of your country.”
ArcelorMittal has ambitions to further expand capacity at its Liberian mining operations, with plans under development for a phased increase to 30 million tonnes of annual production capacity, and options being studied to produce DRI quality concentrate. The current expansion project has been undertaken with future expansion in mind, with upgrades to the railway already enabling it to transport 30 million tonnes of iron ore annually.
ENDS
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is one of the world’s leading integrated steel and mining companies with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking operations in 15 countries. It is the largest steel producer in Europe, among the largest in the Americas, and has a growing presence in Asia through its joint venture AM/NS India. ArcelorMittal sells its products to a diverse range of customers including the automotive, engineering, construction and machinery industries, and in 2024 generated revenues of
Our purpose is to produce smarter steels for people and planet. 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 the 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.
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).
http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/
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