By: Melvin Flomo
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CAPITOL HILL, MONROVIA — The Liberian Senate has launched a high-level review into the diplomatic and operational alignment between Liberia and Guinea regarding the controversial Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc. concession, amid rising concerns that shifting political landscapes in both countries could threaten the future of the multibillion-dollar cross-border mining project.
The probe, led by the Senate Committee on Transport, follows what lawmakers describe as “lingering uncertainties” about Guinea’s current position on the agreement—uncertainties that, if confirmed, could jeopardize years of negotiations, massive infrastructure plans, and a long-awaited economic boost for Liberia.
Committee Chair Senator Saah H. Joseph said the Senate is scrutinizing the bilateral relationship that underpins the project to ensure that Liberia’s commitments remain fully aligned with Guinea’s stance. He noted that the concession was initiated during the administrations of former Liberian President George Weah and Guinea’s former head of state—two governments that enjoyed a close and cooperative relationship.
“But both countries now have new leadership,” Senator Joseph told legislative reporters. “We need assurances that the foundation of this agreement still stands. This is not a Liberia-only venture. Without clear cooperation from Guinea, this project cannot move forward.”
Senate Seeks Proof of Guinea’s Commitment
The Committee has formally requested documentation from the Executive Branch confirming that both nations remain in agreement on the project’s key terms. The demand comes as rumors circulate that Conakry may be unsettled about the arrangement, particularly its reliance on Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure to export Guinean iron ore.
“These rumors have implications,” Senator Joseph warned. “They can dampen investor confidence, strain diplomatic relations, and slow progress on a project of major economic significance.”
He emphasized that because Ivanhoe Atlantic will extract ore from Guinea and transport it through Liberia, “absolute diplomatic harmony” between both governments is essential.
A Multibillion-Dollar Project at Stake
Ivanhoe Atlantic Inc.—formerly High Power Exploration (HPX)—is spearheading the ambitious Nimba Iron Ore Project, backed by an estimated US$2.8 billion investment. The company plans to rehabilitate and expand the Yekepa–Buchanan rail line and modernize the Buchanan Port into a multi-user, open-access export hub with an annual capacity of 30 million tonnes of direct shipping ore.
Its Liberian subsidiary, Ivanhoe Liberia, is fully owned by HPX, part of the Ivanhoe Group. The company operates in partnership with regional mining stakeholders, including Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG).
However, without seamless cooperation between Monrovia and Conakry, the project faces potential delays—or worse, collapse.
Senator Joseph Turns Spotlight on East International
In a separate communication, Senator Joseph raised red flags over the performance of East International, the company hired to rehabilitate the Roberts International Airport (RIA) corridor. His statement triggered a new wave of scrutiny over the contractor’s credibility and commitment.
He accused East International of abandoning essential components of the RIA project while redirecting its energy to commercial quarrying activities in Montserrado County and surrounding communities—activities he says provide no corporate social responsibility benefits to affected residents.
“Communities where this company is excavating aggregates cannot even get basic road repairs unless they buy the same materials from the company,” Senator Joseph lamented. “This is contrary to the intent of the contract. It signals a clear abandonment of responsibility.”
He also disclosed that East International has subcontracted major portions of the project to third-party firms, raising concerns about whether the company has the capacity or intention to fulfill its obligations.
Funds Diverted Since 2016 Still Unrestored
Senator Joseph reminded colleagues that in 2016, the Legislature approved funding to pave several community roads in Montserrado County—including New Georgia Estate, Chocolate City, Darkar Town, Butter Factory Road, and Topoe Village Road. Those funds were later diverted to support the RIA corridor project with the understanding that they would be replaced in future national budgets.
“Since 2016 to date, nothing has been restored,” he said. “Communities have been left waiting for nearly a decade for roads they were promised and that were legally funded.”
He urged the Senate to ensure that these funds are reinstated in the 2026 national budget cycle so long-delayed community road works can finally begin.
Senate Takes Action
After Senator Joseph’s communication was read on the Senate floor, the plenary voted to forward the matter to the Committee on Public Works for investigation. The Committee has one week to submit its findings.
A Call for Urgent Legislative Action
Speaking with journalists after the session, Senator Joseph said both issues—the Ivanhoe Atlantic concession review and the East International contract concerns—require immediate intervention from the Legislature.
“We must protect Liberia’s national interests,” he said. “We must preserve healthy diplomatic relations with Guinea, and we must hold contractors accountable for public projects that affect the daily lives of our people.”
As the Senate intensifies its oversight role, the future of one of West Africa’s most significant mining corridors—and the credibility of major road infrastructure projects—now hangs in the balance.
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