Monrovia – The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed into law the Third Amendment to the ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) Mineral Development Agreement, endorsing a report from its Joint Committee on Concessions and Investment, Lands, Mines and Energy, and Judiciary.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The Joint Committee’s report followed a public hearing involving members of the Inter-Ministerial Concessions Committee (IMCC), who defended the revised agreement as being in Liberia’s national interest.
During the hearing, IMCC members provided testimonies justifying why the amended deal offers improved economic and social benefits for Liberia and its people.
Sitting on the third day of the third session, first quarter of the 55th Legislature, 51 of the 54 lawmakers present voted in favor of the agreement. Grand Gedeh County District #3 Representative Jacob Debee voted against the deal, while Bong County District #7 Representative Kolleh abstained.
Why Lawmakers Backed the Deal
Chairman of the Joint Committee, Bong County District #7 Representative Foday Fahnbulleh, told Plenary that the committee was convinced the revised agreement would deliver far greater economic benefits than previously anticipated.
“There are clear justifications for ratification,” Fahnbulleh said. “From the appearance of the IMCC and our thorough review of the document, the benefits outweigh any reasons for rejection. The agreement guarantees immediate and recurring revenue.”
Among the new benefits identified by the committee are an additional US$200,000 allocation to the Rail Authority for improved rail management, resolution of outstanding royalty issues, expanded employment opportunities, preference for Liberian-owned SMEs in the supply of goods and services and scholarship and training opportunities for Liberians.
Several lawmakers who had opposed the agreement during the 54th Legislature voted in favor this time, citing that their earlier concerns had been adequately addressed.
Margibi County District #2 Representative Ivar Jones and Grand Bassa County District #3 Representative Matthew Joe both expressed excitement over the revised deal.
Rep. Jones referenced the removal of exclusivity over rail usage, while Rep. Joe noted that earlier concerns regarding education and infrastructure—key reasons for rejection in the previous Legislature—had now been resolved.
Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Wongbe, once a vocal critic of the agreement, welcomed the changes.
“The deal promotes industrialization and development,” Wongbe said. “I am happy that corrective measures were taken.”
Similarly, Nimba County District #2 Representative said consultations helped shape a better outcome.
“This agreement takes into account many of the issues we raised, including community welfare and infrastructure development,” he noted.
After nearly an hour of debate, Montserrado County District #1 Representative Rugie Yatu Barry motioned for the report’s adoption and passage. The motion was seconded, and the agreement was forwarded to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
Legislative Scrutiny
The House began public hearings on the Third Amendment on Monday, January 19, 2026, in keeping with legislative practice.
The scrutiny process was led by the Joint Committees on Concessions and Investment and Lands, Mines and Energy, and included representatives from the Ministries of Mines and Energy, Justice, Finance and Development Planning, Labor, and the National Investment Commission (NIC).
Clear Enforcement Mechanisms
Minister of Mines and Energy Richard Matenokay Tingban told lawmakers the revised agreement introduces clearer enforcement mechanisms in the event of default.
The contract identifies four senior management positions—CEO, CAO, CFO, and COO—with at least one required to be held by a Liberian within the first year.
Minister Tingban also disclosed that the Community Development Fund has been increased by 67 percent, calling it a major negotiation victory.
“This will unlock additional opportunities. The negotiation team did well to secure more benefits for Liberians,” he said.
Legal and Fiscal Reforms
From a legal standpoint, Deputy Justice Minister for Economic Affairs, Cllr. Charles D.F. Karmo, said several articles of the original Mineral Development Agreement were amended to protect Liberia’s interests.
“These amendments ensure AML meets key deliverables within defined timelines while improving social welfare benefits and fiscal outcomes,” he said.
Deputy Finance Minister for Fiscal Affairs Anthony G. Myers outlined significant financial gains under the new agreement, including a US$200 million one-time signature bonus, payable within 30 days, a US$5 million annual Community Development Fund for Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa Counties, up from US$3 million, fixed US$500,000 annual mining license fee starting in 2031, compared to US$50,000 over the past 25 years, a 4.5 percent monthly royalty, payable within 30 days instead of quarterly, and an additional five percent revenue during high-yield periods.
“This creates predictability and boosts immediate and recurring revenue,” Myers said.
Jobs, Training, and Local Participation
NIC Executive Director Melvin Sheriff Sr. said the Third Amendment addresses long-standing structural weaknesses by introducing a non-discriminatory framework that prioritizes Liberian participation.
Under the agreement, AML must prioritize Liberian-owned SMEs and establish a joint committee to support local suppliers.
The deal also includes a US$500,000 annual training budget, funding technical scholarships in geology and mining engineering, a new AML Vocational Training Center campus in Grand Bassa County, and annual contributions to the University of Liberia’s Mining and Geology Institute and community colleges in the affected counties.
Assistant Labor Minister Stanley Barh said the agreement would significantly boost job creation and help address youth unemployment.
The amended ArcelorMittal Liberia Agreement has been forwarded to the Liberian Senate. The Senators will assign the document to relevant committees for review and subsequent debate, to be followed by either concurring with or amending.
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