Despite repeated disruptions in power, the Plenary of the House of Representatives voted to pass Amendment No. 3 to the ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) on late Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
The passage followed the presentation of a comprehensive report by the Joint Committee on Investment and Concessions, Lands, Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, and Judiciary. The committee report was delivered to the Plenary Chairman, Representative Fody Fahnbullah, who informed the Plenary that the hearing was attended by members of the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC), with which sectorial ministries and agencies provided detailed information about the benefits of the third amendment of the deal.
According to the Committee Chairman, the third amendment of ArcelorMittal represents a significant improvement over the existing MDA, particularly in government revenue, infrastructure, ownership, employment, Liberian participation, and regulatory clarity. These are outcomes of prolonged negotiations that began in 2020, following the Legislature’s rejection of the 2021 version in March 2022. This new version presents a more beneficial framework for Liberia’s ownership of rail and port infrastructure, introducing Rail System Operating Principles (RSOP) to transition the rail corridor to a multi-user system, strategically balancing investor returns with national interests.
The new amendment presents immediate and recurring revenues, including a US$200 million signature bonus, a US$5 million annual Community Development Fund, increased mining license fees, and improved royalty payments. It also emphasizes employment and Liberianization, ensuring increased Liberian participation at management and professional levels. Education and skills development, including scholarships, vocational training centers, and annual training contributions, Infrastructure modernization, including bridge rehabilitation, road paving, rail upgrades, and guaranteed access for third-party rail users, are essential components of the infrastructure plan. Environmental protection, including water-use safeguards and annual contributions to the Liberia Water and Sewer Authority, is also a priority. The Joint Committee concluded that while no concession agreement is without imperfections, the Third Amendment is a balanced, forward-looking, and nationally beneficial instrument that strengthens Liberia’s control over strategic assets and promotes responsible investment.
The Plenary decided through a voting of 52 lawmakers in session, with 50 in favor while 2 abstained. Pursuant to the Plenary’s mandate, the Joint Committee conducted a public hearing on the Third Amendment on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Capitol Building in Monrovia the bill has gone to the Liberian senate for concurrence.
