Gabon strives for 700,000 tons of manganese processing by 2031

Gabon’s mining sector stands on the brink of a historic transformation. In a landmark agreement signed in Paris, Eramet and its subsidiary Comilog have committed to significantly boosting the local processing of Gabonese manganese. The ambitious target: reaching a processing capacity of 700,000 metric tons by 2031. The signing ceremony, held at the Élysée Palace on July 20, brought together Gabon’s transitional leader, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and top executives from the French mining group, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the negotiations.

Industrial shift ends years of mineral export debates

Since the military-led transition took power in August 2023, Gabonese authorities have repeatedly pushed for greater domestic valorization of its mineral wealth. Despite being the world’s second-largest manganese producer, Gabon has long exported most of its output as raw ore, allowing foreign industries to capture the added value. The Paris agreement marks a decisive shift in policy, though it currently remains a non-binding framework.

For Eramet, which has operated in Gabon for over six decades through Comilog, this commitment reflects a long-standing demand from Libreville. The French mining giant, listed on the CAC index, derives substantial earnings from its Moanda operations in the Haut-Ogooué province. Achieving the 700,000-ton target will require expanding existing metallurgical units and constructing new industrial facilities to handle the increased volume.

Mining sovereignty at the heart of Gabon’s economic vision

Gabon’s transitional government has made reclaiming the added value from its mining resources a cornerstone of its economic strategy. Manganese, a critical mineral for global steelmaking and increasingly vital for lithium-ion batteries, sits at the heart of this vision. Local processing promises higher tax revenues, skilled job creation, and positioning Gabon in higher-value market segments.

The 2031 timeline gives Eramet flexibility to phase its investments, yet it also sets a clear political deadline. The transitional administration is determined to deliver tangible results before the decade’s end. Translating the protocol into firm financial commitments, feasibility studies, and investment decisions remains the next challenge—no total investment amount has been disclosed.

The agreement’s signing follows a period of strengthened diplomatic ties between Libreville and Paris. During his visit to France, President Oligui Nguema reinforced bilateral relations, marking a year since post-coup normalization efforts began. His presence at the ceremony lent the protocol a political weight extending beyond industrial considerations.

A benchmark for Gabon’s local content strategy

Beyond Eramet, this agreement sets a precedent that could shape future negotiations with other mining operators in Gabon. Authorities may leverage this model to renegotiate terms for other resources, from iron ore to rare earths. The government’s ability to enforce the 2031 timeline will serve as a litmus test for its broader mining sovereignty doctrine.

For Eramet, the agreement offers potential benefits, including secured mining permits and long-term visibility for its Gabonese operations. Amid challenges in Argentina and Indonesia, the company needs a stable African anchor. If realized, local manganese processing could also enhance its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, appealing to European investors increasingly scrutinizing sustainability.

The energy question looms large. Processing 700,000 tons of ore demands substantial electricity, yet Gabon’s infrastructure gaps persist. A coherent energy strategy will be essential to avoid the 2031 milestone becoming an unmet promise.