Liberia expects its iron ore production to triple to about 30 million metric tons this year, largely driven by a major expansion by ArcelorMittal’s Liberian unit and additional output from new and revived mining projects, the country’s mines minister told Reuters.
The West African nation produced roughly 10 million tons of iron ore in 2025, with nearly all of it coming from ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), the country’s main mining operator.
Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal is investing heavily to scale up its operations in Liberia, supported by the construction of a new concentrator and significant upgrades to rail and port infrastructure.
The company said last month it plans to ship 20 million tons of iron ore from Liberia in 2026, compared to historical production levels of around 5 million tons per year.
Its railway line is also being expanded to handle up to 30 million tons annually under a new long-term agreement that includes $200 million in fees payable to the Liberian government.
Iron ore prices rose in 2025 as record imports by China boosted demand and tightened the global seaborne market.
“This year, ArcelorMittal should be hitting 20 million tons,” Mines Minister Matenokay Tingban said on the sidelines of the African mining conference Mining Indaba last week.
Don’t Miss This:
Liberia Appoints New Mining Minister Amid Talks On U.S. Investment
“We expect Liberia to reach between 25 and 30 million tons once all producers come online,” he said, referring to Cavalla Resources, Westcrest and Zodiac as new entrants expected to begin production this year, while Bao Chico resumes operations.
Gold production is also projected to increase as Mansa Resources ramps up activity at its Dugbe mine.
At the same time, the government has directed the Liberia Geological Survey to identify and assess new critical mineral prospects after Chinese geochemical surveys indicated the presence of lithium and other strategic minerals, the minister said.
Tingban also confirmed that Liberia is accelerating a review of its mining law, with updates expected within three months.
The proposed reforms will adjust the licensing system and introduce a framework for a national mining company that would take equity stakes in projects.
The main fiscal reform includes free-carried state equity of between 10% and 15% in each project, with a long-term goal of raising that to 25%, he said.
“We are moving from a royalty-only approach to equity participation to maximise returns, fund infrastructure and create jobs,” the minister said.
Royalty rates will remain at 4.5% for iron ore and 3% for gold, while heavy mineral sands will carry a rate of 8%.
He added that the Ministry of Justice will determine whether the new equity requirements will apply to existing operations.
“With all this, we expect overall mining output to increase from 15% (in 2024) to as high as 50% depending on how fast new producers come online.”
Don’t Miss This:
Liberia Seals $30 Million Road Upgrade Deal With BADEA
Image Credit: Mining Weekly
