ArcelorMittal opens a new concentrator in Liberia with a capacity of 20 million tons

ArcelorMittal has inaugurated a new 20 million tonnes per annum concentrator in Nimba Province, Liberia. The event was attended by President Joseph Bokai of Liberia and Executive Chairman Lakshmi Mittal, according to a press release.

The project is the centerpiece of the second phase of ArcelorMittal’s large-scale investment program worth $1.8 billion, bringing its total investment in the country to more than $3 billion.

The new plant is one of the largest in Africa in the field of iron ore beneficiation. It will increase annual production from 5 to 20 million tons and significantly improve product quality, in particular by switching to the production of ore with a higher iron content.

In addition to the plant itself, ArcelorMittal invested in infrastructure modernization: the railway line between Tokadeh and the port of Buchanan was upgraded, a new berth was built, and transshipment systems were improved. More than 5,000 workers were employed in the construction, and about 1,000 permanent jobs will be created after the project is launched.

President Bokai called the move a testament to the growing confidence in Liberia as an investment destination, emphasizing its importance for employment and social development.

The company also announced ambitious plans to further expand production to 30 million tons per year and explore the possibility of producing DRI-quality concentrate.

In January-March 2025, ArcelorMittal increased steel production by 2.8% compared to the same period in 2024 to 14.8 million tons. Iron ore production for the period increased by 15.7% y/y – to 11.8 million tons.

Steel shipments to customers in the period amounted to 13.6 million tons (+0.7% y/y), and iron ore (only for AMMC and Liberia) – 8 million tons (+27% y/y).