MONROVIA, SEPTEMBER 1, 2026: The Liberian Government, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has concluded a high-level stakeholder consultation on the Community Development Fund established under the Third Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) of ArcelorMittal-Liberia. The August 31, 2026 roundtable focused on the implementation of a Five Million United States Dollars annual Community Development Fund under iron ore company’s 3rd MDA.
The forum was presided over by Honorable R. Matenokay Tingban - Minister of Mines and Energy. In remarks, the Mines and Energy Minister echoed the Liberian Government’s commitment to ensuring that mining revenues translate into tangible and sustainable development for communities in which mining concessions operate.
The consultation brought together representatives of the Government, county leaderships from Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa. Also in attendance was Minister Tingban’s Local Government Ministry counterpart, Honorable Francis S. Nyumalin, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Honorable Prince K. Moye – Senator of Bong County.
Part of the panel that made great contributions to the gathering were development planners of ArcelorMittal-Liberia, and other key stakeholders who deliberated on the framework for managing and utilizing the Community Development Fund.
Under the Third Amendment to AML’s Mineral Development Agreement, the company’s annual contribution for socioeconomic development in affected communities has been increased from US$3 million to US$5 million.
In further remarks, Minister Tingban reminded the stakeholders that the Community Development Fund must be strategically aligned with both national development priorities and the specific needs of communities in mining-affected areas. The Minister of Mines and Energy noted that Liberia’s development planning framework gives counties an important role in identifying and advancing their own development priorities.
He stressed that the implementation of the Fund should therefore be guided by a coordinated process that links national development objectives with county and community-level priorities particularly in Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa.
A key focus of the consultation was the proposed establishment of a Community Development Committee, which is expected to provide a structured mechanism for identifying, prioritizing and supporting projects under the Fund.
Minister Tingban also urged ArcelorMittal-Liberia to place greater emphasis on alternative livelihood initiatives in communities within its areas of operation. This was in furtherance of similar request to the Company when he toured their operational facilities a few months ago. He said such programs are important to creating sustainable economic opportunities and reducing communities’ long-term dependence on mining activities.
The Minister’s position underscores the Government’s broader expectation that the benefits of Liberia’s mineral resources should extend beyond the lifespan of individual mining operations and contribute to lasting economic opportunities for affected populations.
Contributing the discussion, the Minister of Local Government Francis Sakila Nyumalin described the meeting as an important step in implementing the amended MDA following its negotiation and ratification by the Legislature.
Minister Nyumalin noted: “We are happy that something is set aside to develop our people and the communities.” The Local Government Minister also emphasized the need for mineral-sector resources to contribute meaningfully to the development of affected communities.
Contributing his quota to the consultation, Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Anthony G. Myers, said the extensive negotiations surrounding the amended agreement were intended to ensure that it served not only as a financial arrangement but also a key part of Liberia’s broader development strategy.
ArcelorMittal-Liberia, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities in its areas of operation, including initiatives designed to promote alternative livelihoods.
The stakeholder engagement is part of ongoing efforts to establish a transparent, participatory and accountable framework for the Community Development Fund.
The Government is expected to continue working with AML, county authorities and other stakeholders to ensure that the US$5 million annual contribution is effectively planned, managed and invested in projects that respond to genuine community needs while advancing Liberia’s national and local development priorities.
MINISTRY OF MINES AND ENERGY-LIBERIA PUBLIC RELATIONS
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