MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has formally submitted to the House of Representatives the Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between the Government of Liberia and ArcelorMittal Holdings Limited, seeking legislative review and ratification.
In a communication addressed to House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, the President described the amendment as a major step toward advancing Liberia’s economic development, modernizing key infrastructure, and strengthening community benefits in line with the government’s “ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.”
The proposed amendment, signed on December 20, 2025, follows negotiations and consultations and is intended to consolidate all previous amendments into a single, fully amended document, the President said.
The House has forwarded the agreement to the Committees on Investments and Concessions, Mines, Energy and Natural Resources, and Judiciary for review and a report within two weeks.
Key Provisions Highlighted in the Submission
Multi-user rail regime and 2030 transition goal:
The amendment introduces a Railroad System Operating Principles (RSOP) framework that would recognize the Government of Liberia’s right to establish a multi-user rail regime, providing non-discriminatory access to the Yekepa–Buchanan rail corridor. The President’s submission also points to an eventual transition to an independent, government-regulated rail authority by 2030.
Extension of MDA term:
The agreement’s duration would be extended to December 20, 2050, with a right of renewal.
Production expansion targets:
Under the amendment, ArcelorMittal Liberia would commit to scaling up production capacity from 15 million wet metric tons per annum (MWMTPA) by 2027, to 20 MWMTPA by 2031, and up to 30 MWMTPA thereafter, according to the President’s communication.
US$200 million upfront payment:
Upon ratification, ArcelorMittal Liberia would make an upfront payment of US$200 million to the Government of Liberia.
Mining license fee increase:
The annual mining license fee would increase tenfold—from US$50,000 to US$500,000.
Community development and local benefits
US$5 million annual Community Development Fund:
The amendment provides for an annual US$5 million contribution to a Community Development Fund to support socio-economic development in Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties.
The submission also outlines specific infrastructure interventions tied to community benefits, including the rehabilitation of the KM 2.5 Bridge and the St. John River Road Bridge, paving of the Concession Road, and establishment of a Vocational Training Center in Buchanan. The communication notes that delays in implementation would trigger increased contributions.
Liberianization targets:
The amendment also mandates increased participation of qualified Liberians in professional and management roles. Targets cited include 50% of management positions by the third anniversary, 75% of professional, administrative, and technical positions by the fifth anniversary, and 90% by the tenth anniversary.
Education, skills and local procurement:
In addition, ArcelorMittal Liberia would contribute US$500,000 annually toward education and skills training programs and prioritize local procurement, the President said.
President Urges Swift Ratification
President Boakai urged lawmakers to ratify the amended agreement, stressing that it has the potential to accelerate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and deliver stronger benefits to affected communities.
The House committees are now expected to conduct a detailed review of the document and submit recommendations before the agreement is taken up for debate and possible ratification by the full House of Representatives.
