The Iron Ore Corridor Moves to the Center of US-Liberia Partnership
On 16 October 2025, Liberian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Nyanti met with American Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC. The meeting revolved around strengthening bilateral relations and focused on the Iron Ore Corridor linking the seaport of Buchanan to the iron ore region in Guinea. It is one of the strategic #EconomicCorridors in the West Africa sub-region.
The visit follows the Summit between Liberian President Joseph Boakai and US President Donald Trump in July 2025, when Trump famously complimented Boakai on his excellent English skills. At the time, Boakai positioned Liberia itself as the gateway for accessing not only the iron ore in Guinea, but also a number of #CriticalMinerals such as #lithium and #cobalt in the region.
“The meeting explored avenues for expanding US participation in Liberia’s #CriticalMinerals sector with the aim of creating jobs and economic growth in both the US and Liberia.”
US State Department Spokesperson Tommy Pigott
Both sides recognized the importance of the Millenium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to develop ‘US-friendly’ infrastructure projects. Previously, the Yekepa-Buchanan railway was used exclusively by Arcelor Mittal. Now, the railway will be operated under a multi-user partnership. The existing accord with Arcelor Mittal is set to expire in 2030, but the opening of the rail to other users is a landmark agreement.
In an interview in The West Australian, Ivanhoe Atlantic CEO Bronwyn Barnes describe the new arrangement on the Corridor as ‘transformational breakthrough.’ According to Barnes, the Corridor represents “a rare opptortunity where rail, port, and minerals align at precisely the right time.” Actually, Invanhoe signed a 25-year Concession and Access Agreement in order to use the railway and seaport facilities to transport 5 millions tonnes of iron ore annuallly, with the option to expand up to 30 million tonnes.
On 23 October 2025, Ivanhoe Atlantic announced the completion of the Environmental and Socio-Economic Impact Assessments (#ESIA) for ithe Kon Kweni Iron Ore Mine Project and related infrastructure projects in Liberia and Guinea. The study took several years and adheres to the Equator Principles and #ESG framework. The Kon Kweni mine is expected to come online by 1Q26.
“The word is watching. And so, too, are Liberians. The railway carry the promise of a future whereby Liberia is not simply a conduit for ore, but a key player in the global race for the minerals of tomorrow.”
Invanhoe CEO Bronwyn Barnes
However, the railway line is in need for upgrade. The first phase will involve rehabilitation of the Buchanan-Tokadeh segment. Then, the second phase will upgrade the deep-water bulk port at Buchanan and an extension of the railway line into Guinea.
In order to manage the strategic railway line, Liberia plans to establish a National Railway Authority (NRA). The NRA bill and institutional framework are under preparation in order to be ready by the time Arcelor Mittal releases ownership of the railway line.
“It [The Iron Ore Corridor] has the potential to rewrite Liberia’s role in the global economy and could elevate Liberia from the periphery of resource extraction to the center of the critical minerals global supply chain, transforming the country’s infrastructure, revenue base, and international standing.”
Liberia President Joseph Boakai