Why It Matters
ArcelorMittal wants to secure favorable U.S. policy treatment for its massive Liberian iron ore operations amid a geopolitical scramble for mineral supplies. The company’s challenge is positioning its Liberian project as a strategic asset aligned with American interests in countering Chinese mineral dominance and building African partnerships.
ArcelorMittal hired KRL International LLC and lobbyist Karen Riva Levinson—specialists in African resource extraction and U.S.-Africa trade—while simultaneously deploying additional firms to address infrastructure concerns. This multi-pronged effort seeks to educate Congress on how the company’s existing Liberian operations can solve America’s critical minerals security problem, precisely when H.Res.179 and other pending legislation explicitly promote U.S.-Africa mineral partnerships.
By the Numbers
ArcelorMittal Mining UK Ltd. paid KRL International LLC $118,045 in the final quarter of 2025 to lobby on economic and mineral development in Liberia. The company has filed 12 total disclosures since 2007, spending $645,990 historically, with activity dramatically intensifying in 2024-2025.
The lobbying team consists of a single registered lobbyist: Karen Riva Levinson, who brings over two decades of experience advocating for natural resource companies operating in Africa, currently representing clients including Gerald Metals LLC and Africa Finance Corp.
ArcelorMittal Liberia Ltd. simultaneously paid Navigators Global LLC $140,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025 focusing on rail transportation issues—critical for moving ore to export ports. The broader lobbying team includes Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and Hollier & Associates LLC.
The Agenda
ArcelorMittal Mining UK Ltd. is lobbying on economic and mineral development in Liberia and U.S. commercial interests. While the company hasn’t identified specific legislation, relevant bills include H.Res. 179, which supports U.S.-Africa partnerships in critical minerals development, and S.2550 and H.R. 4391, which authorize mineral supply chain agreements with allies.
Broader Context
U.S. policymakers are intensifying efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains and reduce dependence on China. The Trump administration hosted a Critical Minerals Ministerial with over 50 countries and recently secured a strategic partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, China has tightened rare earth export controls.
Steel has become a national security priority, with Section 232 tariffs now at 50%. Liberia’s economy grew 5.1 percent in 2025 driven primarily by mining expansion, with ArcelorMittal’s extended Mineral Development Agreement through 2050 and $3.5 billion investment plans.
Between The Lines
Congress is moving aggressively to secure critical mineral supply chains away from China. H.Res. 179 explicitly supports strengthening U.S.-Africa partnerships, while S.2550 and H.R.4391 authorize negotiating international agreements to build secure mineral supply chains. Though congressional hearings on Liberian mining are absent, members like Senator Chris Coons have supported continued U.S. engagement with Liberia.
Competitive Landscape
KRL International LLC also represents other African natural resource companies, including Gerald Metals LLC—which lobbies on mining in Sierra Leone—and Kosmos Energy LLC, focused on West African oil and gas exploration.
ArcelorMittal’s multi-firm strategy demonstrates sustained commitment to protecting its significant West African investment across various policy fronts.
The Bottom Line
ArcelorMittal is intensifying its lobbying push on Liberian mineral development as the U.S. prioritizes securing critical mineral supply chains. The company’s timing aligns with congressional efforts to reduce mineral dependence on China and strengthen U.S.-Africa partnerships. While no specific congressional hearings on Liberian mining exist, relevant legislation creates opportunity for ArcelorMittal to position its Liberian iron ore as a strategic national security asset.
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