U.S. Ambassador Praises ArcelorMittal’s Significant Investments During Nimba Operations Tour

Ambassador Mark Toner Highlights Economic and Social Impact of Mining Giant’s Liberian Operations

YEKEPA, Liberia (March 23, 2025) – U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Mark Toner concluded an inspection tour of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) Nimba operations with high praise for the company’s substantial investments in the region. The visit underscored the critical role of foreign investment in Liberia’s economic and human development.

Transformative Investments in Liberia’s Future

During his tour of the concentrator facility, Ambassador Toner described AML’s $1 billion investment as “significant to the Liberian economy.” He emphasized how this investment – the largest in Liberia to date – addresses critical national challenges including education and unemployment.

“Liberia has tremendous potential in sectors like mining and tourism,” Toner noted. “The government should continue attracting substantial foreign investments to unlock this potential.”

Comprehensive Tour of Operations

The Ambassador’s delegation received detailed briefings from AML’s leadership team including:

• Michiel Van Der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer
• Anthony Kocken, Chief Operating Officer
• R.C. Saraf, Head of Finance
• Joseph Mathews, General Manager

COO Anthony Kocken highlighted AML’s workforce development programs, particularly at the ArcelorMittal Liberia Training Academy (AMLTA) where local residents receive technical training for guaranteed employment.

Community Development and Infrastructure

The visit showcased AML’s community initiatives including:

• Priority hiring for local unskilled workers
• Agricultural support through the Biodiversity and Conservation Program
• Full employment for all AMLTA graduates

Kocken also detailed the upcoming concentrator operations set to begin in July 2025, with capacity to produce 15 million tons of high-demand iron ore concentrate annually.

Support for National Infrastructure Development

AML leadership reaffirmed their support for Liberia’s Multi-user Rail Policy, noting their railway expansion creates temporary surplus capacity for other users while emphasizing the need for additional infrastructure development.

The visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to President Boakai’s vision for national development through strategic partnerships in education, healthcare, and critical infrastructure.

This article summarizes an original report. Read the full original article for complete details.