Nimba lawmaker wants ArcelorMittal mineral development agreement reviewed

Nimba County Electoral District #5 Representative Samuel G. Kogar has written the House of Representatives, craving plenary’s indulgence to review the Mineral Development Agreement between ArcelorMittal and Liberia.

According to him, the agreement is subject to periodic review once every five years for the purpose of good faith, discussions to effect such modifications to the agreement as may be necessary or desirable in the light of any substantial changes in circumstances which may have occurred during the previous five years.

He says this review allows a deeper and mutual appreciation for Mineral Development Agreement in the context of the economic, infrastructural, and other broad spectrum of realities in the hope to equally protect the interest of both parties.

The Nimba County lawmaker discloses that since 2005 ArcelorMittal expressed desire to explore iron ore from Liberia, lamenting that the company has increased the level of exploration on a daily basis.

He adds that if the Mineral Development Agreement of ArcelorMittal is not reviewed, Liberia will be left with nothing. Also speaking, River Gee County District #3 Representative Francis S. Dopoh says the issue regarding a review of ArcelorMittal agreement is very important, saying there is always a kind of interference when it comes to these concessions in Liberia.

By Bridgett Milton–Edited by Winston W. Parley