Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen has delivered a damning critique of ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), vowing to oppose any renewal of the company’s Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) unless sweeping reforms are made and long-standing violations addressed.
In a blistering statement to the public and government stakeholders, Senator Twayen accused AML of gross breaches of the amended 2007 MDA and lambasted the company for nearly two decades of underperformance and neglect, particularly in communities directly impacted by its operations, such as Yekepa.
“For far too long, the people of Yekepa have lived in the shadows of billion-dollar ore exports while their homes crumble and their futures stagnate,” Twayen said. “This is not development. This is exploitation.”
Dilapidated Housing and Failed Promises
Central to Senator Twayen’s concerns is the deteriorating condition of Yekepa, once a model mining town. Despite AML’s announcements of a $1.4 billion expansion project, the senator said the town lies in ruins, with housing in “severe disrepair” and basic services lacking.
“The company is extracting billions in resources while residents live in conditions unfit for human dignity,” he stated, describing AML’s neglect as a betrayal of its corporate social responsibilities.
Employment Inequities and Foreign Dominance
Senator Twayen further accused AML of violating Article 10 of the MDA amendment, which stipulated that by 2017, at least 50 percent of senior management positions be held by Liberians. As of now, only 42 percent of such roles are Liberian-occupied.
All three top executive roles, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, remain in foreign hands, filled by Michiel Vandermerwe (South Africa), Anthony P. Kocken (Australia), and Conor O’Brien (United Kingdom), respectively.
“This is not only a contractual breach, but a national insult,” Twayen declared. “Liberians are supervising foreign technicians in mid-level roles, yet the company claims no qualified locals exist for top positions? That’s absurd.”
He also named several positions filled by foreigners, Chief Information Officer, Chief Purchasing Officer, Security Risk Advisor, and Chief of Staff to the CEO, which he said could and should be occupied by Liberians.
Scholarship Fund Shortfall and Financial Transparency
Twayen highlighted AML’s failure to meet its scholarship obligations under Article 9 of the MDA, which requires $200,000 annually for overseas scholarships for Liberians since 2007. AML only began making payments in 2012, creating a shortfall of $1 million.
“Let’s be clear: this scholarship fund is not a donation, it’s a legal obligation. AML owes that money, and it must be paid in full,” the senator insisted.
Doubts Over “So-Called” $1.4 Billion Investment
Casting further doubt on AML’s operations, Twayen questioned the company’s touted $1.4 billion investment. He described the project as a collection of prefabricated, temporary structures that could be dismantled at any moment.
“Real investments don’t come with bolts and wheels. This is not a permanent fixture for Liberia’s development, it’s a facade,” he said, adding that internal estimates place the true cost closer to $550 million.
Allegations of Transfer Pricing
The senator also accused AML of using transfer pricing tactics to shift profits between affiliated companies, thereby reducing its declared earnings in Liberia and evading fair taxation and dividend obligations.
“This is economic sabotage in disguise. If AML wants to operate here, it must report real profits and pay what it owes this country,” he said.
Recommendations and Ultimatum
Senator Twayen laid out a series of conditions that must be included in any future MDA:
Paving of the Sanniquellie-Yekepa road Increased Social Development Fund allocations Renovation of existing homes in Yekepa instead of container housing Mandatory appointment of a Liberian to one of the top three executive positions Full payment of the scholarship fund arrears and transparent fund management Quarterly audits of AML’s MDA compliance A complete end to transfer pricing and full financial transparency
He urged the Government of Liberia and the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) to take these issues seriously and warned that Nimba County will resist any attempt to renew the MDA in its current form.
“To the people of Nimba and Liberia at large: We must not settle for less than we deserve,” Twayen declared. “The next MDA must reflect the true aspirations of our people and hold AML accountable. If these demands are not met, we will lead the process of resisting any renewal of any kind with AML.”
With the current agreement set to expire in 2030, the senator’s firm stance signals a growing call for corporate accountability in Liberia’s concession sector. The ball, it seems, is now in AML’s court.
