Liberia is on the verge of a significant boost in its iron ore production, with Mines Minister Matenokay Tingban announcing that the country aims to increase output to approximately 30 million metric tons in 2023, up from around 10 million tons the previous year. This dramatic increase is largely attributed to the expansion efforts of ArcelorMittal Liberia, the leading operator within the country, which is improving infrastructure to accommodate this surge in production.

At the recent African Mining Indaba conference, Tingban revealed that ArcelorMittal is investing heavily in upgrading its facilities, including a new concentrator and extensive upgrades to rail and port services. The company has ambitious plans to ship 20 million tons of iron ore annually from Liberia by 2026, which marks a significant leap from its historical shipping levels of about 5 million tons per year. This expansion not only promises an increase in production but also improves overall operational efficiency within Liberia’s mining sector.

The agreement between the Liberian government and ArcelorMittal includes significant financial benefits, with the government set to receive $200 million in fees as part of a new long-term arrangement. This new framework underscores the importance of infrastructure in supporting mining operations, as the railway capacity is also being upgraded to accommodate the new production targets. Overall, these developments could position Liberia as a major player in the global iron ore market, while also enhancing economic benefits for the country through increased government revenues and job creation.