MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd. have officially signed the Concession and Access Agreement (CAA), marking a historic milestone in Liberia’s efforts to modernize its rail and port infrastructure while fostering inclusive and sustainable mineral development. This 25-year deal is in the tune of US$1.8 billion as announced by the US Embassy near Monrovia.
This is what the Embassy posted on its Facebook page: “The U.S. Embassy welcomes the signing of a concession and access agreement between U.S. owned Ivanhoe Atlantic and the Government of Liberia. This estimated $1.8 billion deal is a crucial step towards President Boakai’s objectives of developing Liberia’s multi-user rail policy and securing new international investment. By increasing U.S. investment in Africa, we drive mutual prosperity and support Liberia’s move from aid to trade.”
The agreement was signed on July 5, 2025 in the Conference Room of the National Investment Commission (NIC). Signing on behalf of the Liberian government were:
- Hon. Jeff B. Blibo, Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC)
- Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning
- Hon. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy
- Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, Minister of Transport
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, attested to the agreement.
Ms. Bronwyn Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., signed on behalf of the company.
The twenty-five-year agreement, which allows for the transportation of Guinean IRON ORE through Liberia’s infrastructure (subject to the necessary bilateral arrangements with the Government of Guinea) positions Liberia as an emerging regional logistics and export hub. Additionally, it establishes the legal and regulatory framework for the development of an Independent Rail Operator (IRO) to ensure transparent and equitable access.
Under Phase I of its operations, Ivanhoe will be granted initial rail access for 5 million metric tonnes per annual (mtpa), governed under ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) Mineral Development Agreement (MDA).
Under Phase II, Ivanhoe will be required to expand and develop a new rail and port infrastructure to accommodate up to 30 mtpa, contingent on feasibility studies and regulatory approvals
The Concession and Access Agreement (CAA) grants Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd. the right to develop up to 30 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of rail-port access capacity, against which the company made a $37 million upfront payment a few years ago to the previous administration.
Under the agreement, Ivanhoe is to make a series of payments to the Liberian government including a first payment of US$10 million upon ratification of the agreement and a second payment of US$15M when the company is given physical access for Phase 1 of operations.
Over the life of the agreement, Ivanhoe will make contributions to the Community Development Fund (CDF) to support local infrastructure, education, and health services.
In terms of employment, the project will provide over 500 direct jobs during the construction phase of the project and approximately 3,000 indirect jobs through Liberian suppliers and service providers.
Hon. Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) and Chairman of the NIC states, “This Agreement opens Liberia’s railways and ports to shared use—unlocking infrastructure for multiple industries, driving inclusive growth, also for the broader development of our economy. It guarantees access to critical infrastructure, expands employment opportunities, strengthens community investment, and secures long-term revenue streams in support of our national development priorities.”
The Concession and Access Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe reflects the Government’s commitment to leveraging Liberia’s infrastructure for a broad-based economic transformation. The agreement aligns fully with the Government’s economic transformation objectives under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The signed agreement will subsequently be submitted to the Legislature for ratification by H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, and published into handbill, after which project implementation will commence. Initial priorities will include infrastructure rehabilitation, local workforce development, and community stakeholder engagement.
