Liberia anticipates its iron ore production rising to around 30 million metric tons in 2026, more than tripling levels seen in 2025, as ArcelorMittal expands capacity and other producers scale up output, Mines Minister Matenokay Tingban said. The forecast was shared on the sidelines of the Africa Mining Indaba and highlights growing investor confidence in Liberia’s mineral sector, Reuters reported.
Liberia produced about 10 million tonnes of iron ore in 2025, predominantly from ArcelorMittal Liberia’s operations. Under a long-term development programme, ArcelorMittal is investing in a new concentrator plant and upgrades to its rail and port infrastructure, aiming to boost shipments to roughly 20 million tonnes next year from previous annual volumes of around 5 million tonnes, according to MarketScreener.
Minister Tingban said total national production could reach 25 million to 30 million tonnes once other emerging producers, including Cavalla Resources, Westcrest and Zodiac, bring their projects to scale, and as the Bao Chico mine resumes operations. He described the surge as part of Liberia’s broader strategy to maximise benefits from its mineral wealth.
In support of expanded output, the government has directed the Liberia Geological Survey to accelerate mapping of new mineral targets, including potential lithium deposits and other strategic elements, signaling ambitions beyond iron ore. Authorities are also moving forward with revisions to the mining code to update licensing frameworks and strengthen domestic value capture, including provisions for state equity participation.
