Contact Worldwide Who we are What we do Corporate responsibility People and careers News and media What we do Mining Rail Shipping Iron ore Print Bookmark Share on Home What we do Mining Mining Sustainable mining Our mining business is one of the pillars of ArcelorMittal’s growth strategy. The direct shipping ore (DSO) mined in phase one of the mining project is shipped in its raw form at an average of 60% FE to buyers around the world. The Liberia mining project is also unique to ArcelorMittal's mining portfolio in that this is the only greenfield mine the company operates. This means that we must conduct sustainable mining, always keeping protection of the environment at the top of our minds. The iron ore mining process is an exciting one to watch, from the blasting stage to the loading of trains for passage to the Port of Buchanan. Liberia's mine, considered one the most beautiful mining environments in the world, has a 2013 production target of 4 million tons of iron ore. The mining operation is comprised of three key components – mine, crushing plant and maintenance. There is massive support force behind this team which includes technical services, quality control, safety and health including the ArcelorMittal Hospital, environmental team, human resources and training, procurement, estate and corporate responsibility. As the company moves towards developing the skills of more Liberians to work the mine, training is a major component of the work. Various training programs are being conducted for new entrants, existing workmen, supervisors and managers. Phase two – the concentrator plant In the latter part of 2013, ArcelorMittal moves into phase two of its operations, meaning an additional US$1.5bn in investment for Liberia, and an increase in production from 4 million to 15 million tons by 2015. The concentrator plant is part of the second phase of upgrades that ArcelorMittal will include to expedite its operations. The difference between the current plant being used and the impending concentrator plant will be the difference in the final product. Phase one mainly involves a procedure called DSO or "direct shipping ore" a process in which the ore is mined and shipped in its natural state. Whereas the concentrator plant will thoroughly screen and separate the high grade ore from the low grade. In as much as the new concentrator plant will be technologically advanced, ArcelorMittal will have to employ even more workers. These workers will undergo very intensive training to be able to maintain and run this plant. Construction of the plant will begin when a current ongoing geological survey at the mine establishes what the iron ore grade is in terms of Alumina, Iron and Silica. This is an important step forward for the growth of ArcelorMittal’s mining operations in Liberia as well as for the development of Liberia. It is a clear sign that ArcelorMittal Liberia is committed to building excellent mining operations in the country and it would look to its many stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, for its continued cooperation and support. The mine The Tokadeh Mountain is one massive heap of high quality iron ore and is situated near the town of Yekepa. The chemical properties of the ore are tested at the advanced laboratory to ensure that strict customer requirements are met. It is from Tokadeh that the ore is transported by rail to Buchanan for eventual shipment out of Liberia. Related information Site map Privacy