Gang Attacks ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Mines, Shot an Employee
ArcelorMittal Liberia, one of the major contributors to the Liberian economy has announced that a group of unknown armed men launched an attack on the Tokadeh Mines on Friday, July 28. The assailants, wielding firearms and machetes.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 29, the company expressed deep concern over the incident and disclosed that one of its employees had suffered a gunshot wound during the violent assault. However, the injured employee’s condition was reported as stable, and the company’s medical staff continued to closely monitor his recovery, the company added.
This incident is not an isolated one, as ArcelorMittal’s trains have been targeted in several attacks by unknown individuals in the past. Additionally, the mining giant has faced protests from locals and some disgruntled employees regarding issues related to payment arrears and other disputes.
The company said it called the police immediately, who swiftly responded to the attack and restored order to the mines. It further noted that it has taken the matter seriously and reached out to both the Justice Ministry and the Ministry of Defense, requesting a thorough investigation into the attack on its operations and stated that it intends to prosecute those involved in the violent act.
“AML strongly condemns violence of any kind to its staff members and will continue to work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its employees remain its top priority.”
ArcelorMittal Liberia has played a crucial role in Liberia’s post-war economic development, providing employment opportunities to hundreds of Liberians in both skilled and unskilled positions. The steel giant was among the first major foreign company to invest in Liberia following the devastating civil war.
In 2005, it signed a landmark mineral development agreement with the Liberian Government. Over the years, this agreement has undergone multiple amendments, with the latest version currently under scrutiny. The House of Representatives and the Liberian Senate failed to reach a consensus on certain terms of the amended MDA and sent it back to the Executive for further negotiation with the company.
By Daniel Theo Cole
