16/01/2026
Sen. Twayen Urges Caution on ArcelorMittal MDA, Cites Legal and Community Risks
CAPITOL HILL — Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. Is calling on colleague Legislators to slow down consideration of the proposed Third Amendment to the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) with ArcelorMittal, warning that unresolved legal and community concerns could undermine Liberia’s interests.
In a statement, Senator Twayen said the amendment represents more than a technical consolidation of past agreements, pointing to a transfer of rights from ArcelorMittal Switzerland AG to ArcelorMittal USA Liberia Holdings LLC. He questioned the speed of the restructuring and said lawmakers must be clear about which entity the government negotiated with and how liabilities for past obligations will be preserved.
Twayen also raised concern about provisions that would classify the entire concession area as a single production zone, arguing that undeveloped lands should not be indefinitely encumbered without phased approval. He said such an approach could restrict community land use while delaying tangible development.
The senator further criticized the omission of binding social infrastructure commitments, including roads, health facilities and schools, which he said should remain explicitly anchored in ratified law rather than deferred to future plans.
Twayen urged lawmakers to demand full disclosure of transfer documents, beneficial ownership records and audited financial statements before ratification, stressing that accountability must accompany investment.