President Joseph N. Boakai submitted the third Mineral Development Agreement of ArcelorMittal Holding Limited and the Government of Liberia to the Legislature on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, for review and subsequent ratification If endorsed, the agreement will extend the company’s operations to 2050, introduce a multi-user rail regime guaranteeing non-discriminatory access to the Yekepa–Buchanan railway, and provide an upfront payment of US$200 million following amendments.
In a communication to the Liberian Senate, President Boakai stated that the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal entered into the original MDA on August 17, 2005, which was duly ratified by the Legislature, signed by the President, and published into handbills. He said the Agreement has since undergone two amendments, signed on December 28, 2006, and January 23, 2013 respectively, and following extensive negotiations and consultations, the government, ArcelorMittal Liberia Holdings Limited (formerly Mittal Steel Liberia Holding Limited, as the Concessionaire), ArcelorMittal USA Liberia Holdings LIC (an affiliate of ArcelorMittal Switzerland AG, as the Principal), and ArcelorMittal Liberia Limited (the Operating Company) have agreed to further amend certain provisions of the MDA.
He said the third Amendment was signed by the Parties on December 20, 2025, and the Parties have agreed to restate the current MDA in its entirety, incorporating all prior amendments into a consolidated and fully amended document. The Liberian leader told the Legislature that the government is granted the right to establish a multi-user rail regime under a new Railroad System Operating Principles (RSOP) framework.
Boakai noted that ArcelorMittal will establish a Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Buchanan to complement the Yekepa VTC Program, while continuing housing rehabilitation, education, and employment programs in affected areas. According to him, delays in the Social Infrastructure Plans or implementation will trigger increased contributions to the Community Development Fund (CDF), ranging from US$250,000 to US$500,000 annually for non-compliance.
“Employment and Secondment: ArcelorMittal Liberia shall ensure that qualified Liberians participate in professional roles including: 50% of all management positions, (three (3) of the seven (7) senior management positions) from and alter the third Anniversary of the third Amendment Elective date and one of the four officers of the Concessionaire (which shall consist of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer) from and after the First Anniversary of the Third Amendment Effective date,” the President said.
Boakai indicated that 75 percent of professional, administrative, and technical positions shall be occupied by qualified Liberians from and after the fifth anniversary of the third amendment effective date, expecting to reach 90% from and after the tenth anniversary of the third amendment date, subject to the Concessionaire’s entitlement to employ expatriates in accordance with the Labor Laws of Liberia.
He informed the august body that there will be a local procurement and workforce training, and ArcelorMittal Liberia will prioritize local procurement of goods and services across its mining, rail, and port operations. Under the agreement, the company shall contribute annually through concessionaire programs with a total amount of US$500,000 to fund education and skill training.
“Madam Pro-Tempore, this third amendment to the ArcelorMittal MDA represents a significant advancement in Liberia’s economic development, infrastructure modernization, and community empowerment and is in alignment with the ARREST AGENDA for Inclusive Development. I therefore urge the Legislature to ratify this Agreement,” Boakai noted.
