Senate Probes Ivanhoe Deal

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, raising fresh questions about the stability of one of West Africa’s most anticipated mining ventures.

The probe, led by the Senate Committee on Transport, follows what lawmakers described as “lingering uncertainties” surrounding Guinea’s current position on the agreement uncertainties that could derail years of negotiations and billions in expected investment.

Committee Chair Senator Saah H. Joseph said the Senate is examining the bilateral foundation of the project to ensure that Liberia’s commitments still align with the priorities of Guinea’s new leadership.

He noted that the concession was conceived under former Liberian President George Weah and Guinea’s former administration two governments that enjoyed close cooperation, creating favorable conditions for the deal.

“But both countries now have new leadership. We need assurances that the foundation of this agreement still stands. This is not a Liberia-only venture.” Senator Joseph told legislative reporters.

The Committee has asked the Executive Branch to provide official documentation confirming that both nations still agree on the project’s major terms.

The request follows unverified reports that Conakry may be uneasy about the concession’s reliance on Liberia’s rail and port infrastructure, a concern that could rattle investor confidence and slow implementation.

Senator Joseph stressed that since the iron ore will be extracted from Guinea and transported through Liberia, “absolute diplomatic harmony” is crucial for successful operations.

The project estimated at US$2.8 billion will see Ivanhoe Atlantic rehabilitate and expand the Yekepa–Buchanan rail line and modernize the Buchanan Port into a multi-user export hub.

Its Liberian subsidiary, Ivanhoe Liberia, operates under the Ivanhoe Group and works in partnership with regional players, including Société des Mines de Fer de Guinée (SMFG).

However, without full cooperation between Monrovia and Conakry, the Nimba Iron Ore Project could face delays or collapse, lawmakers warned.

In a separate statement to plenary, Senator Joseph criticized East International, the firm contracted to rehabilitate the Roberts International Airport (RIA) corridor, accusing the company of abandoning key obligations.

He claimed the company is redirecting its focus toward commercial quarrying in Montserrado County activities offering no corporate social responsibility benefits to affected communities.

Senator Joseph also reminded colleagues that funds approved in 2016 for community road projects were diverted to the RIA corridor project and have yet to be restored.

He urged the Senate to ensure these funds are reinstated in the 2026 budget cycle to address long-overdue road development needs.

Following his communication, the Senate mandated the Committee on Public Works to investigate the matter and report within one week, as lawmakers intensify oversight on projects crucial to Liberia’s national development.