Civil society activist Emmanuel Saye Bellehbokpolah Nenwon, in a statement on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, strongly opposed the renewal of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) Mineral Development Agreement, citing the company’s failure to fulfill its obligations to affected communities.
Nenwon, after reviewing the 2007 amended agreement for nearly six hours, concluded that AML has neglected its commitments to job creation, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and fair economic contributions. He accused the company of exploiting Liberia’s resources while leaving communities in poverty, displacement, and environmental devastation.
According to Nenwon, AML has failed to prioritize Liberian employment, with expatriates dominating top managerial positions while locals remain in low-paying jobs. He referenced the agreement’s employment provisions, which he claims AML has disregarded by not providing adequate training or opportunities for affected communities.
He further criticized AML for failing to develop schools, healthcare facilities, and basic community services. He argued that promised improvements remain unfulfilled, leaving children in poorly built schools, residents without healthcare, and communities struggling with limited access to clean water.
Nenwon also highlighted severe environmental damages, alleging that AML has polluted streams, rivers, and farmlands with toxic waste while making no meaningful effort to rehabilitate the land. He accused the company of disregarding the agreement’s environmental protection clauses, leaving affected communities in hazardous living conditions.
Worker safety was another major concern. Nenwon alleged that AML employees are exposed to dangerous conditions without proper protective measures, leading to frequent workplace injuries and deaths. He called out AML for failing to uphold health and safety standards outlined in the agreement.
On the issue of financial contributions, Nenwon accused AML of underreporting revenue, depriving Liberia of much-needed development funds. He warned against renewing the company’s agreement without ensuring a fair revenue-sharing mechanism. Citing civil society activist John Alexander Nyahn Jr., he proposed replacing the flat $1.5 million annual fee with a percentage-based system to align Liberia’s earnings with AML’s revenue fluctuations.
Nenwon also denounced AML’s handling of displaced families, stating that affected residents have not received proper resettlement or compensation. He claimed the company’s failure to provide alternative livelihoods has worsened poverty in impacted areas.
In addition, Nenwon criticized AML’s failure to fulfill infrastructure commitments, stating that roads remain in poor condition and affected communities lack electricity. He accused the company of building short-term housing solutions instead of permanent structures that could benefit Liberians in the long run.
Calling for immediate action, Nenwon urged the Liberian Legislature to reject AML’s request for renewal until the company fulfills its past obligations. He demanded proper compensation for displaced families, investment in healthcare and education, environmental rehabilitation, transparent revenue-sharing mechanisms, and sustainable infrastructure development.
“Our resources belong to the people, not foreign corporations that destroy communities while profiting,” Nenwon stated, rallying for national unity in demanding justice and accountability.
