Liberia has formally begun shipping of iron ore for the first time in 20 years.The shipment took place Tuesday 27 September 2011 through the port of Buchanan, in Grand Bassa County by Arcelor Mittal.. Arcelor Mittal is the world’s largest stell and mining company.
The company however did not disclose the total amount of ore shipped out of the country. Liberia’s mining sector sized operations in the late 1990s, due to the 14-year civil war that devastated the nation.
Arcel Mittal’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Lakshmi Mittal, at the ceremony in Buchanan City, described the sudden shipment of iron ore as a milestone in Liberia’s renewed economic drive“The shipment of the first iron ore in twenty years is a testimony to the new stability prevailing in Liberia”.
Mr. Mittal said: “Arcelor Mittal would provide the requisite opportunity for Liberians working with the company to play key role in its management to ensure a sustainable future”.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, addressing the occasion, said: “The re-negotiation of the agreement between government and Arcelor Mittal was intended to ensure mutuality on both sides”.
According to President Sirleaf, “Buchanan and Yekepah have come alive today, due to Arcelor Mittal’s commitment to the agreement".
“For the first time Liberians have begun benefiting from funds accrued from social development agreement, aimed at fostering development in various communities across the country”, Madam Sirleaf indicated.
The Liberian leader said: “Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa counties are now benefiting from US$3msocial development funds provided by Arcelor Mittal under the agreement”
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