By Linus Flomo
/BASSA
Ivanhole Liberia also known as HPX has announced a sweeping 25-year investment aimed at harnessing the region’s iron ore wealth through the parallel use of the existing railroad system for exports via the Buchanan Seaport.
The project, which carries a multi-million-dollar price tag, was unveiled during a high-profile stakeholder engagement on Friday, March 28, at Buchanan’s Administrative Building.
The comprehensive development plan will see significant technical enhancements at both the Buchanan Port and along the railroad corridor.
Company management outlined an ambitious roadmap during the forum, detailing plans to not only upgrade port operations but also to reinforce the railroad infrastructure, a critical element in the efficient transportation of iron ore from Nimba through Bong County to Grand Bassa.
These improvements are designed to support a phased transition until a new rail system is fully constructed by 2030, in line with the government’s strategic infrastructure agenda under President Joseph Boakai’s Executive Order and the newly established Rail Authority.
The investment is projected to create approximately 3,600 new jobs, with a strong focus on uplifting communities across Grand Bassa, Nimba, and Bong counties. Local development initiatives form a cornerstone of the project, as company executives committed to integrating community-focused programs.
Among these initiatives are plans to build a power plant, expand employment opportunities, offer apprenticeships, and provide scholarships aimed at fostering local talent.
Superintendent Karyou Johnson, who co-hosted the forum alongside other local leaders, emphasized the project’s community benefits.
“This isn’t just an investment in infrastructure it’s an investment in people,” Johnson noted. “We are dedicated to ensuring that our local workforce, particularly the youth and vulnerable communities like our fishing sector, have access to skill development and secure, sustainable employment.”
The investment plan also includes robust measures for environmental sustainability. The project is set to address potential environmental hazards linked to large-scale industrial operations, ensuring that local ecosystems and public health are protected. Stakeholders also raised concerns about the need for social inclusion, with particular attention given to the fishing community’s involvement in the project’s planning and execution.
During the engagement, representatives from various groups—including the Grand Bassa Labor Commissioner, the County Attorney, Chiefs and Elders Council, civil society organizations, and youth groups—voiced their perspectives.
Their collaborative discussions underscored the importance of transparency, job security, and environmentally responsible practices as the project moves forward.
The landmark investment by Ivanhole Liberia is expected to catalyze long-term economic growth in the region.
By leveraging existing rail infrastructure in a parallel capacity, the project sets the stage for an efficient export mechanism that could significantly boost Liberia’s position in the global iron ore market.
Moreover, the emphasis on community development and environmental stewardship highlights a forward-thinking approach that could serve as a model for similar ventures across the country.
As local stakeholders and industry leaders work together to realize this vision, the initiative promises not only to modernize critical infrastructure but also to enrich the livelihoods of thousands of Liberians.
The coming years will reveal the full impact of this transformative project on Grand Bassa County and beyond.
