Global steel giant ArcelorMittal has announced that it is currently mining and shipping 5 million mt of iron ore per year in Liberia from its operations in Yekepa and Buchanan. The company is also working on an expansion project that will see shipments rise to 15 million mt of iron ore with first production planned by the end of 2015.
According to ArcelorMittal's statement, due to the evolving situation of the current Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa, contractors working on the phase 2 expansion project have declared force majeure and are moving people out of the country. The company is currently assessing the potential impact on the project schedule.
ArcelorMittal remains fully committed to Liberia and the intention is to restart full construction of the phase 2 project at the earliest opportunity. Phase 1 operations continue as normal at this time and to date have not been affected by the situation in Liberia.