TOKADEH, NIMBA COUNTY –– Liberian President Joseph Boakai and ArcelorMittal Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal Thursday jointly inaugurated a state-of-the-art iron ore concentrator in Tokadeh, a major milestone in Liberia’s mining sector and economic recovery efforts.
The new 20 million tonne capacity plant is part of ArcelorMittal’s $1.8 billion Phase II expansion project, which raises the company’s total investment in Liberia to nearly $3 billion. It is one of the largest iron ore beneficiation facilities in Africa and is expected to quadruple current production levels while improving product quality and export value.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Boakai praised the company’s long-standing partnership with Liberia. “This expansion is a vote of confidence in our country’s direction and investment climate. It is already creating over 5,000 construction jobs and will generate 1,000 permanent positions upon completion,” he said.
Boakai emphasized the broader economic and social benefits: “This level of investment enriches our corporate social responsibility envelope—impacting health, education, commerce, and employment.”
Mr. Mittal reflected on the company’s two-decade presence in Liberia, saying, “For 20 years, we have proudly partnered with Liberia—creating thousands of jobs and delivering basic social services in the communities where we operate.”
In addition to the concentrator, the expansion includes a new port pier in Buchanan, upgraded rail infrastructure, and advanced ore-handling systems. These developments are laying the groundwork for future growth, with plans already under review to increase annual output to 30 million tonnes and possibly produce higher-grade DRI-quality concentrate.
Mittal added, “This concentrator secures the long-term future of mining in Liberia and strengthens our role in the country’s economic development.”
Since beginning operations, ArcelorMittal has supported community infrastructure, including roads, clinics, and schools in its operational areas, contributing to both economic growth and local development.
The inauguration signals renewed momentum for Liberia’s extractive sector and underscores the potential of responsible foreign investment to drive national transformation.