ArcelorMittal's new concentrator plant. (Image source: ArcelorMittal)

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr has officially commissioned ArcelorMittal’s US$1.4bn iron ore concentrator plant at the Mt. Tokadeh mining site in Nimba County, Liberia

This facility is the centrepiece of the company’s US$1.8bn expansion programme, which brings its total investment in Liberia to approximately US$3bn — one of the most significant private sector investments in the country since the end of its civil war.

The expansion will see ArcelorMittal boost its iron ore output from 5 million tonnes per year to 20 million tonnes, while also upgrading product quality to higher-grade and higher-value iron ore.

Initially launched in 2012, the concentrator project was put on hold during the Ebola outbreak in 2014. Construction resumed in 2021, incorporating modernised technology and updated engineering.

Full operations at the plant are expected to begin later this month.

“This level of investment is a testament to the growing confidence in the security and wellbeing of our state, and in the positive direction of our investment climate,” said Boakai.

The development has already created over 5,000 jobs during construction and is projected to result in 1,000 permanent roles, along with broader economic gains for the country, he added.

In addition to the concentrator, the wider expansion includes significant infrastructure investments. These include an upgraded railway line from Tokadeh to Buchanan, a new pier at the Port of Buchanan, and enhanced materials handling systems.

President Boakai called on ArcelorMittal to continue progressing with further investment pledges, including railway expansion, port upgrades, and power plant development.

“These projects are essential to deepening Liberia’s integration into global value chains and unlocking long-term benefits for our people,” the president added.

ArcelorMittal executive chairman Lakshmi Mittal was present in Liberia for the inauguration ceremony.

“This state-of-the-art concentrator guarantees the long-term future of mining in Liberia,” he said. “It will quadruple our capabilities from 5 million tonnes to 20 million tonnes, continue to provide jobs for thousands of Liberians and make an important contribution to Liberia’s economic prosperity.”

New models offer advanced compaction, efficiency and digital integration features. (Image source: Wirtgen Group)

HAMM introduces a new generation of tandem rollers, designed for high-performance compaction and efficiency, with operating weights ranging from 9 to 11 tonnes

The latest HD 90–HD 110 P-Tier machines are being introduced with two configuration options: dual vibration drums (VV) or a combination of a vibration drum and pneumatic tyre set (VT). These models are debuting in Brazil, as well as Tier 3 markets across the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia.

Robust compaction performance and operator comfort

Equipped with 1,680 mm drum diameters and high compaction power, these machines are engineered for asphalt projects that require both high surface output and superior compaction quality. A key contributor to performance is HAMM’s proven 3-point articulation, which ensures consistent weight distribution and helps avoid surface marking during operation. Powered by a 97 kW Cummins engine, the new models also offer a comfortable, spacious cab, excellent visibility, and user-friendly controls that enhance the overall operator experience.

Advanced efficiency through HAMMTRONIC

Each model—HD 90 P VV, HD 90 P VT, HD 110 P VV and HD 110 P VT—is equipped with HAMMTRONIC, an intelligent machine control system that improves fuel efficiency, compaction results, and operational smoothness. Benefits of the system include lower diesel use, smoother acceleration and deceleration, the Constant Speed feature, and reduced noise. By managing systems like the water sprinkling unit and the edge pressing and cutting device, HAMMTRONIC reduces the risk of operator mistakes, while continuously adjusting performance to ensure each component operates within its ideal power range.

Custom options and service-friendly design

The rollers can be customised with several useful features, including a ROPS/FOPS-certified cab with climate control, highway-approved lighting, and powerful LED drum edge lights. Additional optional tools include the Hamm Compaction Meter and Hamm Temperature Meter, both of which support data-driven, location-specific compaction and temperature monitoring. Maintenance has also been streamlined, with easy access to all service points helping to minimise downtime. Integration with the John Deere Operations Center adds further value, enabling digital job site management and machine monitoring.

Volvo CE machines prove superior in Gulf trials, showcasing productivity, safety, and fuel efficiency gains. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Following the launch of its next-generation excavators for the Middle East and Africa, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) recently validated their on-site performance through rigorous comparative testing in the Gulf region

The models – EC210, EC220, and EC360 – went head-to-head with competing machines from top global OEMs in real-world truck loading tasks, assessed on key metrics including productivity, fuel efficiency, durability, operator comfort, safety, and serviceability.

All machines were tested under identical site conditions using a dig-swing-dump-repeat cycle. Operators included a Volvo R&D veteran with 15 years of experience and two local contractors with a combined 22 years of excavator operation. The consistent conditions ensured fair performance evaluation across all brands.

EC210: Power meets precision in 22-tonne class

Delivering stronger productivity and improved fuel efficiency — even at lower RPMs.

In the 22-tonne category, the EC210 stood out by achieving up to 7% greater productivity and 14% better fuel efficiency than rivals in the same weight class. Despite operating at lower RPMs, the machine demonstrated optimal power-to-efficiency balance, making it ideal for applications like roadworks, site preparation, and utilities. "It’s a compact powerhouse, especially for contractors focused on output without excessive fuel costs," said Olle Watz, product manager at Volvo CE Region International.

EC220: Boosted output for bigger demands

Strikes a balance between power and fuel economy in high-volume operations.

The EC220 built upon the EC210’s strengths, boasting a 32% increase in productivity while maintaining comparable fuel usage. Its higher output makes it suitable for heavy-duty tasks like bulk excavation and materials handling. According to Watz, “The EC220 delivers high return where speed and volume matter without compromising efficiency.”

EC360: Bigger Isn’t always better

Outpaces larger rivals in productivity and efficiency, even at reduced RPM.

The heavyweight EC360 surprised testers by outmatching larger-class competitors. Despite running at a fuel-saving 1,500 RPM, it achieved up to 25% higher productivity and 21% greater fuel efficiency compared to competitors operating at peak RPM. “This model proves that thoughtful design can outperform brute force,” noted Watz.

Smart design, safer sites

From ROPS cabs to enhanced visibility, safety is built in from the ground up.

Safety features were a key differentiator. Volvo was the only OEM to offer a ROPS-certified cab as standard. Added elements like deck lighting, slip-resistant surfaces, smartly placed handrails, and a built-in rear-view camera highlighted the brand’s operator-first approach. Test operators praised visibility and ergonomic layouts that reduced fatigue over long shifts.

Serviceability with uptime in mind

Ground-level access, smart layout, and maintenance-friendly features keep jobs moving.

Ease of maintenance also played a role in Volvo CE’s top scores. Features like a smaller engine hood, improved ground-level access to service points, and anti-clog track holes make daily upkeep simpler and faster — critical in the demanding environments of the Middle East and Africa.

These real-world trials not only reaffirm Volvo CE’s engineering direction but underscore its ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective solutions that meet the region’s harsh worksite demands.

The Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange will go a long way to ease traffic and reduce road accidents. (Image source: SANRAL)

The towns of Ndabakazi, Qumrha, Bhisho, and Ngqushwa in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province have transformed into major construction zones, driven by large-scale road development projects spearheaded by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL)

These initiatives are being rolled out across the Mnquma, Great Kei, Ngqushwa, and Buffalo City municipalities.

SANRAL, which is responsible for managing South Africa’s national road network, has invested over R3.5 billion (approx. US$189mn) into building and rehabilitating key routes in the region.

“The Ndabakazi Intermodal Interchange project that is currently under construction will go a long way in easing traffic flow, reduce road accidents, and provide job opportunities for the local community. Through this project, 240 jobs have been provided, empowering the local community with the necessary skills that are needed to work on it,” said Mbulelo Peterson, SANRAL’s provincial head for the Eastern Cape.

Peterson added, “Interns working on the project have also been taken through different training programmes that are designed to cater for their qualifications and training needs. We currently have two interns with a BTech Engineering qualification, one with an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management, one with an S4 qualification in Civil Engineering, two with L2 Building Technology qualifications, and two interns with an N6 Civil Engineering that are working on the project.”

The Ndabakazi project began in February 2023 and is expected to be completed by August this year. It includes improvements to the N2 national road, construction of a new bridge, and development of a taxi rank.

Meanwhile, upgrades to the R63 national road between Bhisho and Qumrha are underway to revitalise surrounding towns. The R63 to N2 Qumrha T-Junction project started in May 2023 and is scheduled for completion in June 2025. It includes road widening, enhanced road markings, and upgraded intersections with dedicated right-turn lanes. By April, the project had generated 364 job opportunities, with training provided by accredited service providers.

Further improvements on the R63—from Bhisho to the N6 national road—will include 16 upgraded road intersections, 12 km of pedestrian walkways, 3 km of access roads, and 5 km of community service roads. A new taxi rank is also being developed in Peelton. According to Peterson, over 259 people have been employed on this segment, including five people living with disabilities.

Another key initiative is the upgrade of the N2 route from Ngqushwa to Makhana. The road is being widened to reduce congestion and accident rates. Works include the supply and compaction of subbase and base layer materials, installation of three new underpasses or culverts, and the extension of two existing structures.

“The project has created 419 permanent full-time job opportunities, and a total of 436 people have been trained on it,” Peterson noted.

SANRAL currently manages 5,885 km of road in the Eastern Cape—the longest portion of its 27,50 km national network.