Monrovia, Liberia – 5 July 2025 – The Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd. have officially signed the Concession and Access Agreement (CAA), marking a historic milestone in Liberia’s efforts to modernize its rail and port infrastructure while fostering inclusive and sustainable mineral development.

The agreement was signed on July 5, 2025, in the Conference Room of the National Investment Commission (NIC). Signing on behalf of the Liberian government were:

• Hon. Jeff B. Blibo, Chairman, Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC)
• Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning
• Hon. Wilmot Paye, Minister of Mines and Energy
• Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, Minister of Transport 

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, attested to the agreement. Ms. Bronwyn Barnes President and Chief Executive Officer of Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd., signed on behalf of the company.

The twenty-five-year agreement allows for the transportation of Guinean iron ore through Liberia’s infrastructure, contingent upon necessary bilateral arrangements with the Government of Guinea. This positions Liberia as an emerging regional logistics and export hub and establishes a legal and regulatory framework for developing an Independent Rail Operator (IRO) to ensure transparent and equitable access.

Under Phase I of its operations, Ivanhoe will be granted initial rail access for 5 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa), governed under ArcelorMittal Liberia’s (AML) Mineral Development Agreement (MDA). In Phase II, Ivanhoe will be required to expand and develop new rail and port infrastructure to accommodate up to 30 mtpa, subject to feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.

The Concession and Access Agreement grants Ivanhoe Liberia Ltd. the right to develop up to 30 million metric tons per annum (mtpa) of rail-port access capacity, against which the company made a $37 million upfront payment to the previous administration. 

Under the agreement, Ivanhoe is to make a series of payments to the Liberian government, including a first payment of $10 million upon ratification of the agreement and a second payment of $15 million when the company is granted physical access for Phase 1 operations. 

Over the life of the agreement, Ivanhoe will contribute to the Community Development Fund (CDF) to support local infrastructure, education, and health services. The project is expected to provide over 500 direct jobs during the construction phase and approximately 3,000 indirect jobs through Liberian suppliers and service providers.

Hon. Jeff Blibo, Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Concession Committee (IMCC) and Chairman of the NIC, states, “This Agreement opens Liberia’s railways and ports to shared use—unlocking infrastructure for multiple industries, driving inclusive growth, and supporting the broader development of our economy. It guarantees access to critical infrastructure, expands employment opportunities, strengthens community investment, and secures long-term revenue streams in support of our national development priorities.” 

The Concession and Access Agreement between the Government of Liberia and Ivanhoe reflects the Government’s commitment to leveraging Liberia’s infrastructure for broad-based economic transformation. The agreement aligns fully with the Government’s economic transformation objectives under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). 

The signed agreement will subsequently be submitted to the Legislature for ratification by H.E. Joseph N. Boakai and published in a handbill, after which project implementation will commence. Initial priorities will include infrastructure rehabilitation, local workforce development, and community stakeholder engagement.

Contact:

National Investment Commission  

UN Drive, Monrovia, Liberia  

Email: info@investliberia.gov.lr  

Website: www.investliberia.gov.lr