Gabon’s mining sector is poised for a significant transformation following a landmark agreement signed in Paris. Eramet and its subsidiary Eramet Comilog have committed to expanding local manganese processing capacity to 700,000 tonnes annually by 2031. The deal, finalized during a high-level meeting at the Élysée Palace on July 20, brings together Gabon’s transitional president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and French corporate leaders, underscoring the strategic importance of the accord.
From raw exports to local value creation
Gabon, the world’s second-largest manganese producer, has long shipped most of its output as unprocessed ore, allowing foreign industries to capture the added value. The newly signed protocol marks a decisive shift in Libreville’s approach to resource management. While the agreement remains non-binding for now, it signals a clear policy direction: reducing reliance on raw material exports and fostering domestic industrial development.
For Eramet, which has operated in Gabon for over six decades through Comilog, the commitment aligns with Libreville’s long-standing demands for deeper local processing. The French mining giant, listed on the CAC, derives substantial revenue from its Moanda operations in Haut-Ogooué. Achieving the 700,000-tonne target will require upgrading existing metallurgical units and constructing new facilities capable of handling the increased volume.
Manganese processing as a pillar of economic sovereignty
Gabon’s transitional government has made enhancing mineral value addition a cornerstone of its economic strategy. Manganese, a critical input for global steel production and increasingly vital for lithium-ion batteries, sits at the heart of this vision. Local processing promises higher tax revenues, skilled employment opportunities, and positioning Gabon in higher-value market segments.
The 2031 deadline provides Eramet with a flexible investment timeline but also sets a clear political milestone. Libreville expects tangible progress before the decade ends. However, translating the protocol into concrete financial commitments, feasibility studies, and investment decisions remains a critical next step. No total investment figure has been disclosed by either party.
The agreement coincides with a period of renewed diplomatic engagement between Libreville and Paris. During his visit to France, President Oligui Nguema reinforced bilateral ties—strengthening relations that have gradually normalized since the post-coup transition. His presence at the signing ceremony underscored the political weight of the agreement, extending beyond industrial considerations.
Setting a precedent for Gabon’s mining sector
Beyond Eramet’s commitment, the protocol establishes a potential model for future negotiations with other mining operators in Gabon. Authorities could leverage this framework to renegotiate terms for other minerals, from iron to rare earths. The government’s ability to enforce the 2031 timeline will serve as a litmus test for its broader minerals sovereignty agenda.
For Eramet, the deal offers stability in its long-term Gabonese operations, particularly amid challenges in its Argentine and Indonesian assets. Local manganese processing could also enhance the group’s appeal to European investors increasingly prioritizing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
A critical challenge remains energy supply. Processing 700,000 tonnes of ore demands substantial electricity, and Gabon’s infrastructure gaps pose a real constraint. The industrial roadmap must align with a robust energy strategy to ensure the 2031 target isn’t missed. The ceremony’s high-profile attendance highlighted the agreement’s strategic and political significance.
