News
ArcelorMittal approves development projects in Liberia
As of 15 May 2009, the Dedicated Funds Committee for the management of the ArcelorMittal County Social Development Fund has approved the first development projects for Nimba, Grand Bassa and Bong Counties in Liberia.
Mining development agreement
The County Social Development Fund was set up as part of the Mining Development Agreement that ArcelorMittal signed with the Government of Liberia. It was agreed that ArcelorMittal Liberia would provide an annual social contribution to be managed and disbursed for the benefit of communities in the counties of Nimba, Bong and Grand Bassa - the counties that would be most affected by our future operations. Although our project in Liberia has been delayed, our commitment to the local communities has not.
The approved projects for Nimba County include:
- The construction of 3 elementary schools and provision of scholarships for needy secondary and college students in Nimba County.
- The construction of 10 two-room residences for health workers in 10 districts and support the training of nurses, lab technicians, physician assistants and midwives to address the need for skilled health workers.
- The training of farmers in improved techniques of food and cash crop production and marketing, cultivation of 300 acres of cash crops and distribute seeds and tools to needy farmers for food crop production.
- Programmes to empower local women's organisations and networks provide small business loans for vulnerable women and girls and construct and equip a multi-purpose youth centre in Ganta.
- Build and strengthen the capacity of the County to improve and maintain its road network and purchase road equipment to construct and maintain all roads in the County.
The projects in Bong County include road rehabilitation, the renovation of a local stadium and the provision of electricity to Gbarnga city.