Monrovia – The world’s largest steel producer ArcelorMittal today announced that it has finalized the Detailed Feasibility Study (DFS) that was being carried out in order to identify the optimal solution for utilizing resources at its Yekepa, Nimba County Mount Tokadeh mine and its other deposits in Liberia.
The DFS recommends upgrades to the concentrator processing lines to reflect changed product quality demand in the seaborne market, replacement of wet tailings with dry stack tailings and treatment, and a revised life of mine plan to ensure optimal high grade product is able to meet market demand, according to an ArcelorMittal statement issued Monday.
The statement indicates that the DFS will be delivered to the Government of Liberia for its consideration and then will be discussed formally at a review meeting soon.
Following completion of the DFS, the company has allocated funds towards detailed engineering work which has commenced in order to progress to the next stage of the process. This is required before an investment decision on the project development can be made later this year.
The detailed analysis conducted over the last year is part of the company’s commitment from 2013 when it announced a Phase 2 expansion project that envisaged the construction of 15 million tonnes of concentrate sinter fines capacity and associated infrastructure, if proven to be technically and economically feasible.
This expansion project was initially delayed due to the declaration of force majeure by contractors due to the Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa a year later, and then reassessed following rapid iron ore price declines over the ensuing period.
The Mount Tokadeh project is consistent with the company’s continued commitment to the country having been operating in Liberia for over 14 years.
Scott Lowe, CEO, ArcelorMittal Liberia commented: “When I took on my role as CEO in March of this year, I committed to building on a solid foundation to create a successful business we can all be proud of. A key part of this commitment is ensuring that we continue to progress the project as required before making an investment decision. Reviewing the results of the DFS with representatives of the Government of Liberia is a step forward towards the project that, if approved, would create additional revenue streams for the Government of Liberia and crucially, more long term skilled jobs for Liberians.
“Our commitment to training the workforce of the future can be demonstrated by our $7mln investment in the Vocational Training Centre which is a part of our contribution to help build a sustainable and highly-skilled workforce that will meet the future needs of both ArcelorMittal and Liberia.”
