Anmi extends the validity period of mineral development in Liberia until 2050

Recently, the official website of ArcelorMittal (hereinafter referred to as Anmi) announced that it has signed a revised version of the existing Mineral Development Agreement with the government of the Republic of Liberia. The amendment was approved through Liberia's legislative process one day before the information was released, extending the validity period of the original Mineral Development Agreement until 2050, and Anmi will also have the right to renew for another 25 years.
This agreement consolidates Anmi's long-term mining expansion plan and commitment in Liberia, while responding to the Liberian government's desire to open the Tokdi Buchanan railway corridor to multiple users.
The revised agreement highlights Liberia's increasing competitiveness as a strategic hub for mineral development in West Africa, based on the recent operation of an iron ore beneficiation plant by Anmi in the Tokdi area of Ningba County. This modern beneficiation plant is one of the largest and most technologically advanced iron ore beneficiation facilities in Africa. The new beneficiation plant is the core project of Anmi's $1.8 billion expansion project, increasing its total investment in Liberia to $3.5 billion. This is the largest foreign direct investment that Liberia has received in its post-war economy. In addition to the new beneficiation plant, Anmi's $1.8 billion expansion project also includes significant upgrades to the Tokdi Buchanan railway, renovation of existing port facilities (including new berths at Buchanan Port), and infrastructure investments such as two power plants.
After the completion of the expansion project, Anmi's annual shipment of iron ore in the region will increase from about 5 million tons to 20 million tons (planned to be achieved by 2026), and the product will be upgraded to high-grade and high-value iron ore. At present, Anmi is conducting feasibility studies on further expansion plans of over 20 million tons. This revised agreement also stipulates the multi-user use of railway infrastructure, which means that other users need to invest in expanding the railway to meet their own transportation needs. Anmi is upgrading its railway facilities. If the feasibility study is approved and it is decided to increase the annual iron ore production to over 20 million tons, the railway's annual transportation capacity will reach 30 million tons, and it will be exclusively used for Anmi's ore transportation. According to the newly revised terms, Anmi will pay $200 million to the Liberian government to obtain the mining rights extension and exclusive access rights for the investment railway as stipulated in the agreement.
It is reported that Anmi will establish an independently operated railway system for the project from October 2030, in order to improve operational efficiency, promote multi-user traffic, and deepen the overall impact of franchising on Liberia's national economy.