extractive industries: blessing or curse?

The report argues that ArcelorMittal's operations in Liberia have failed to deliver promised development benefits due to systemic corruption and mismanagement of the County Social Development Fund (CSDF). It highlights how funds intended for affected communities were diverted to political projects in Gbarnga and criticises the company for complicity in this mismanagement. The document also details environmental risks to the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve and reports poor labour conditions and health services. Finally, it concludes that ArcelorMittal violated OECD guidelines by donating 100 pick-up trucks that were used by legislators rather than for agricultural purposes.

• The County Social Development Fund (CSDF), intended to benefit Nimba, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties, is failing to address the needs of impacted communities due to widespread misappropriation and misuse by local officials.
• In Bong County, the CSDF ignored local development priorities and instead funded projects to prepare the city of Gbarnga for the July 26, 2009 independence festivities, including road rehabilitation, stadium renovation, and street electrification.
• ArcelorMittal is accused of complicity in the mismanagement of the CSDF, as it holds 50% decision-making authority within the Dedicated Funds Committee but has failed to ensure funds are used for their intended purpose.
• The company violated OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises by donating 100 pick-up trucks to the government of Liberia; while intended for agricultural services, the vehicles were instead used by legislators in Monrovia.
• Environmental and social risks are significant, including the potential impact on the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (a World Heritage Site) and the East Nimba Nature Reserve, where the company's intentions to avoid mining are not backed by a legally binding agreement.
• Labour conditions under ArcelorMittal's subcontractor, Odebrecht, were reported as inadequate, featuring 12-hour workdays, low overtime pay, and insufficient safety training, leading to chemical exposure.
• Health and education facilities provided by ArcelorMittal in Yekepa and Buchanan are below international standards and are often inaccessible or unaffordable for the local communities they are meant to serve.

APA

Siakor, S., Urbaniak, D., & de Clerck, P. (n.d.). extractive industries: blessing or curse? Friends of the Earth International. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FinalAMLReport2010.pdf

Chicago

Siakor, Silas, Darek Urbaniak, and Paul de Clerck. extractive industries: blessing or curse? Friends of the Earth International, n.d. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FinalAMLReport2010.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Siakor |first1=Silas |last2=Urbaniak |first2=Darek |last3=de Clerck |first3=Paul |title=extractive industries: blessing or curse? |publisher=Friends of the Earth International |url=https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FinalAMLReport2010.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{siakorndextractive, author = {Siakor, Silas and Urbaniak, Darek and de Clerck, Paul}, title = {{extractive industries: blessing or curse?}}, institution = {Friends of the Earth International}, url = {https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/FinalAMLReport2010.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }