Liberia – January 15, 2026 – Nimba County Senator Nyan D. Twayen Jr. has issued a strong warning against the swift ratification of the proposed Third Amendment to the ArcelorMittal Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), cautioning that the deal could weaken Liberia’s authority over its mineral resources and erode accountability to host communities.
In a press release issued on Thursday, Senator Twayen argued that the proposed amendment represents a major structural shift rather than a simple consolidation of earlier agreements. He highlighted a significant transfer of rights and obligations from ArcelorMittal Switzerland AG to ArcelorMittal USA Liberia Holdings LLC, describing the change as legally and politically consequential.
The Senator questioned the timing and transparency of the process, noting that the corporate transition reportedly occurred on December 9, 2025, while the amended MDA was signed just 11 days later. “This raises fundamental concerns,” he stated, asking whether the government was negotiating with ArcelorMittal Switzerland or its U.S.-based successor during that critical period.
Senator Twayen warned that in the absence of explicit parent company guarantees, continuity clauses, and enforceable legal safeguards, Liberia risks losing its ability to hold the concessionaire accountable for previous violations. He cautioned that outstanding breaches under the original agreement could be effectively buried, denying affected communities—particularly those in Nimba County—any meaningful remedy.
He further expressed concern over provisions that would classify the entire concession, including undeveloped and future exploration areas, as a single production zone. According to him, designating non-operational lands as productive amounts to relinquishing regulatory oversight without tangible benefit, potentially encouraging speculative “mineral warehousing” rather than orderly, phased development.
The Senator also criticized the absence of firm social development commitments in the draft amendment. Unlike earlier agreements that explicitly required the construction of roads, hospitals, schools, and other public infrastructure, the proposed amendment defers such obligations to a future development plan to be formulated within three months of ratification. Senator Twayen rejected this approach, arguing that communities cannot depend on postponed commitments given the concessionaire’s history of noncompliance.
Calling for due diligence, he urged the Legislature to demand audited financial records, formal transfer instruments, and full beneficial ownership disclosures from ArcelorMittal before any ratification is considered. He stressed that his stance should not be misconstrued as hostile to investment. “This is not anti-investor,” he said. “It is pro-Liberia, pro-rule of law, and pro-community. Accountability must apply to all.”
Senator Twayen concluded by vowing to oppose approval of the amendment unless continuity of liability is guaranteed, concession areas are clearly defined, and social obligations are firmly embedded in the agreement. “The people of Nimba County and Liberia as a whole deserve certainty, enforceable commitments, and strong oversight—not vague assurances and weakened control,” he asserted.
