By Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. has sparked a nationwide debate by strongly condemning the 22-year Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) between ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) and the Liberian government.
Speaking out during a recent session, Twayen called the long-standing agreement “a total nonsense,” criticizing it for failing to deliver tangible benefits to Liberia and its citizens.
Signed in 2005, the MDA was meant to guide AML’s operations in Liberia’s mining sector. However, two decades later, many say it has fallen short of expectations.
Among the key concerns are AML’s failure to meet local content obligations, limiting job opportunities and economic participation for Liberians.
Communities near mining sites have also voiced frustration over poor infrastructure. Promised roads, schools, and health facilities remain inadequate or nonexistent.
Environmental groups have raised alarms about deforestation, water pollution, and widespread land degradation linked to AML’s mining activities.
In addition, critics say the agreement has not provided sufficient revenue to the national budget, with Liberia receiving what many consider an unfairly small share of mining profits.
Senator Twayen’s stance aligns with growing calls from civil society and other lawmakers demanding a renegotiation or complete overhaul of the deal.
“If they don’t fix it, I, Nya Twayen, Senator of Nimba County, will do everything in my power to ensure no new agreement is signed for them,” he warned.
Twayen may seek to rally fellow legislators to block any further approvals for AML and push for tougher oversight of existing operations.
His bold statement could also ignite public pressure on AML, as citizens grow increasingly vocal about the company’s perceived underperformance.
With the spotlight now on AML, Senator Twayen’s remarks signal a new chapter in Liberia’s resource governance—one focused on fairness, accountability, and national interest.
