ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) strongly refutes the claims made in The Daily Observer Newspaper’s article dated May 16, 2024, under the headline “Boakai Demands Clarity, Equity in Multiuser Railway Projects.” According to AML, the article misrepresents AML’s stance and ongoing efforts regarding the Yekepa-to-Buchanan railway infrastructure.
The paper claimed “The President singled out the iron ore giant, ArcelorMittal Liberia, whose use of the Yekepa-to-Buchanan railway falls short of the multiuser mandate established by the Government of Liberia.”
ArcelorMittal Liberia stated, “Contrary to the Observer’s unprofessional conduct and disinformation campaign against AML, there is no multiuser mandate currently established by the Government of Liberia, nor does AML fall short of any railway user agreements.
ArcelorMittal-Liberia has always been committed to the multiuser concept for the Yekepa-to-Buchanan railway. Contrary to the implications made in the article, AML has always been open to third-party use of this infrastructure, as stipulated in its Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) that was amended in 2006. The Government of Liberia, as the owner of this asset, holds the authority to decide on the inclusion of other users.”
“As part of its Third Amendment discussions with the Government over the past few years, AML has agreed to further details that would clarify the amount of surplus capacity and its allocation for other users.
AML is currently carrying out major expansion work with significant investments in additional rail capacity to accommodate its future growth needs, and ensuring that this rail infrastructure remains operational for the next 40 to 50 years,” they added.
This expansion is expected to generate unused capacity, projected to be available in 2026 or 2027. This railway has been rehabilitated and maintained to current American heavy haul standards.
In collaboration with the Government of Liberia, AML is dedicated to developing a detailed multiuser regime, based on industry standards and principles, which will be applicable to all parties with provisions for haulage of other products in addition to iron ore.
ArcelorMittal Liberia said it remains committed to supporting Liberia’s infrastructure development in a manner that benefits all stakeholders.
