By Bill W. Cooper
United States of America (U.S.A) Rhode Island Representatives for the 3rd district, Nathan W. Biah, has called on the government of President Joseph Boakai, to refrain from renewing the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal Liberia until the company fulfills all obligations outlined in the current and amended agreements.
Rep. Biah, who is also a Liberian by birth, also emphasized the importance of ensuring that foreign companies operating in Liberia adhere to their commitments, particularly in terms of environmental protection, community development, and local employment among others.
In his post over the weekend, Biah noted, “ArcelorMittal has a responsibility to meet the obligations set forth in their MDA, and until they demonstrate compliance, the government should not consider renewing their agreement.”
“Do not renew AML’s Mineral Development Agreement until they fulfill every obligation outlined in the current, amended MDA. This is not just about contracts, this is about justice, accountability, and the dignity of the Liberian people,” he maintained.
However, Rep. Biah’s call comes following recent dedication of AML US$1.4 billion infrastructure expansion in Yekepa, Nimba County, a decision that has since received mixed reactions from the public, including some Nimba lawmakers and youthful populations among others.
The MDA with ArcelorMittal, which was originally signed during the regime of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and amended in subsequent years, grants the company rights to mine iron ore in the Nimba County region, giving them exclusive rights to the country’s railways.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the company’s adherence to its commitments, particularly in relation to infrastructure development and social responsibility initiatives aimed at benefiting the local communities.
Despite promise from the AML management, through its CEO of commitment to addressing these concerns, including the provision of about 6,000 for locals, the lawmakers further cited inadequate infrastructure, limited job opportunities for locals as reason behind their agitations.
In his write-up, Biah noted, “I speak to you today not just as a son of the soul, but as a voice for the voiceless, our brothers and sisters in Nimba County and beyond, whose lives remain untouched by the promises once made to us through the AML MDA.”
According to him, as this agreement approaches its expiration in 2030, AML now seeks a renewal, and wondered, “But how can we renew a contract when the terms of the amended 2007 MDA have been repeatedly disregarded, ignored, and broken?”
He explained, “Let us be honest: since AML’s arrival, there has been no real change in the living conditions of the people in the concession areas. Our communities, especially in Yekepa, are still living in hardship, struggling for jobs, for healthcare, for housing.”
“Meanwhile, AML proudly announces a US$1.4 billion infrastructure expansion to boost ore operations, but where are the benefits for the very people whose land they operate on? A Broken Promise to Liberians in Leadership.
Article 10 of the amended 2007 MDA clearly mandates the inclusion of Liberians in senior management: By 2012, 25% of senior positions were to be held by Liberians. By 2017, that number should have reached 50%. And by 2008, at least one Liberian was supposed to occupy a top executive position—CEO, CFO, or COO,” he said.
The U.S. lawmaker further narrated, “Yet, today, not one of these positions is held by a Liberian: CEO: Michael Vandermerwe (South African) CFO: Conor O’Brien (British) COO: Anthony P. Kocken (Australian)”
He cited that this is not just a failure, it is a blatant betrayal of Liberian talent and a violation of our national law, as it sends a clear message that Liberians are good enough to dig the soil, but not good enough to lead.
Rep. Biah intoned, “Denied Opportunities Through Education: Article 9 of the amended MDA requires AML to contribute $200,000 annually for advanced scholarships to support Liberians studying abroad.
“By now, Liberia should have received at least $3.5 million. Yet AML’s own 2022 report to the National Investment Commission states that scholarship payments began in 2012, five years late. That is unacceptable. We as Liberians, are demanding the full $3.6 million balance be accounted for and redirected to empower our future leaders.
No Meaningful Development in Concession Communities After nearly two decades, Yekepa remains frozen in time, unchanged since the civil war. Poverty persists. Unemployment continues. Our people search daily for jobs, while foreign workers are flown in to do basic labor that Liberians are more than capable of doing. Where is the justice in that?” He pondered.
Biah added, “Housing: A Matter of Dignity: Rather than renovating existing homes, AML has imported containers for their senior staff to live in, containers! Meanwhile, Liberian families live in crumbling structures, surrounded by dust and disappointment. This shows a complete lack of care, and it betrays the hope of a community that expected dignity and decent living conditions.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Biah is therefore calling on the government to ensure that before any renewal, the Sanniquellie–Yekepa road must be completed, housing units must be renovated, and a public hospital must be built in Yekepa to serve all citizens, not just AML employees.
Others are for AML to stop outsourcing basic labor to foreign subcontractors and start hiring Liberians as required by law, as well as show the real value of their so-called US$1.4 billion investment.”
“How many jobs will it truly create? What environmental protections are in place? What are the long-term impacts on our communities and wildlife? Let us stand together. Let us demand better, not only from AML but from every concession company operating on our soil. Our people deserve more than empty promises. They deserve action,” the Lawmaker added.
