PHOTO: Madam Gaziawon Dano
By Alfred Kollie, alfredkolliejr92@gmail.com
The Nimba County Legislative Caucus are studying a petition they received this week from a group of women from Nimba County under the banner, “Daughters of Mount Nimba”, urging Liberian Lawmakers not to ratify the recent amended mineral development agreement signed between government and ArcelorMittal Liberia.
Receiving the petition on behalf of the caucus, Nimba County District number# 9 Representative, Johnson Gwaikolo thanked the daughters of Nimba for the bold step taken and for peacefully addressing their concerns.
But Rep. Gwaikolo made no promise.
The Liberian government and the world’s leading steel company signed an amendment to the MDA, which paves the way for the expansion of the company’s mining and logistics operations in Liberia.
When the MDA amendment comes into effect, ArcelorMittal Liberia is expected to significantly ramp up production of premium iron ore, generating significant new jobs and wider economic benefits for Liberia.
In 2005, ArcelorMittal signed the first Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to allow the company to begin mining operations in Yekepa, Nimba County and Buchanan, Grand Bassa county concessions. This agreement was then renegotiated and amended in 2006.
The MDA carries stringent conditions regarding sustainable development and economic, social and environmental investment. Its aim is to ensure that, while foreign companies are able to generate a profit from their investment in the extraction of Liberia’s resources, the country and its citizens benefit as well.
But, the Daughter of Mount Nimba in an eight count petition wants the County caucus not to ratify the agreement until the company complies with its initial agreement.
The group wants ArcelorMittal to improve on its social environmental services, ensure gender balance in its work force, the provision of education, health and social services to affected communities in the County.
Speaking Wednesday September 22, 2021 during the presentation of the petition to the County caucus in Monrovia, the group called on Nimba County legislators to oppose any extension and ensure that the company lives up to all provisions in its past agreement.
Madam Gaziawon Dano, a member of the group who read the statement on behalf of the Daughters of Mount Nimba, explained that the company is also required to establish and maintain medical and education facilities in areas of operation, to serve employees, their families and the broader community and to prioritize the employment and development of Liberians.
‘’We strongly oppose to any extension of the MDA until the company can demonstrate and proof its compliance with terms and condition of the existing MDA which has is running up to 2034,’’ she explained.
The group wants Arcelor Mittal Liberia produce safety and environmental condition compliance regulation that meet International standard to protect women, girl and children in concession area.
‘’We want the Company to ensure gender balance in its labor force and incorporate women in to technical and vocational field for economic productivity ,‘’ Madam Dano said.
She however, urged the Nimba legislative caucus to reject as any grant of mineral extraction above the current limit of 5million tons per annual.
More detail of the amended MDA
The expansion project – which encompasses processing, rail and port facilities, will be one of the largest mining projects in West Africa.
In the past agreement, the company is responsible to fixed transportation and communication facilities include roads, bridges, railroads, airports, land strips and landing pads for aircraft, hangars and other airport facilities, garages, channel, tramways, pipelines and radio, telephone, telegraph, telecommunications, and electronic or other forms of communications facilities and Immovable public welfare facilities including schools, hospitals and public halls.
Among other things, the MDA stipulates that ArcelorMittal contribute $3 million a year to the county social development fund for Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa Counties. This money, which over the 25-year expected life-of-mine will total $75 million, will be used to drive community development projects that will uplift and improve the lives of local people.
The agreement also includes commitments to infrastructure development, environmental protection and an overall guiding principle of uplifting Liberia and her people.