Gabon to boost manganese processing with Eramet deal by 2031

Gabon is taking a decisive step toward reshaping its extractive sector through a landmark agreement with French mining giant Eramet. The protocol, signed in Paris, outlines a bold plan to locally process up to 700,000 tonnes of Gabonese manganese annually by 2031. The high-profile signing ceremony at the Élysée Palace brought together Gabon’s transitional president, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and top executives from Eramet, underscoring the strategic importance of the deal.

From raw exports to industrial transformation

For decades, Gabon—home to the world’s second-largest manganese reserves—has primarily exported its mineral wealth in raw form, allowing other nations to capture the added value. The new agreement marks a shift in policy, as Libreville intensifies efforts to retain and refine its natural resources. Though the framework remains non-binding for now, it signals a clear intent to move Gabon up the mineral value chain.

Eramet, which has operated in Gabon for over 60 years through its subsidiary Comilog, stands to benefit from enhanced stability and long-term operational clarity. The group, already a major player in the Haut-Ogooué region’s mining operations, will need to scale up existing metallurgical units and develop new infrastructure to meet the 2031 target. No specific financial commitments have been disclosed yet, leaving room for further negotiations.

Mining sovereignty drives Gabon’s economic vision

Under the current transitional leadership, Gabon is prioritizing mineral value addition as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. Manganese, a critical input for steel production and lithium-ion batteries, holds particular significance. By processing the mineral domestically, Gabon aims to boost tax revenues, create skilled jobs, and secure a foothold in higher-value markets.

The 2031 deadline sets a tangible benchmark for accountability. While Eramet gains a clearer roadmap for its Gabonese operations, the government must ensure the necessary energy and logistical frameworks are in place. With Gabon’s electricity infrastructure still underdeveloped, the industrial equation will require careful alignment with national energy policies to avoid delays.

A blueprint for future mining contracts

The Eramet deal could serve as a model for renegotiating terms with other mining operators in Gabon, including those focused on iron ore and rare earths. Success in meeting the 2031 processing target will validate Libreville’s broader strategy of asserting control over its mineral wealth. For Eramet, the agreement offers an opportunity to solidify its position in a region where other assets, such as those in Argentina and Indonesia, face instability.

The political symbolism of the accord extends beyond economics. The presence of President Oligui Nguema in Paris—amid a broader effort to strengthen Gabon-France relations—highlights the deal’s diplomatic weight. A year after the normalization of post-coup ties, the signing reinforces bilateral cooperation while advancing Gabon’s industrial ambitions.

The energy challenge ahead

Processing 700,000 tonnes of manganese demands significant electricity supply, a hurdle Gabon must overcome. The government’s ability to integrate energy planning with industrial development will determine whether the 2031 goal becomes a reality. Without robust infrastructure, the protocol risks remaining an unfulfilled promise. For now, the path forward hinges on translating political will into concrete investments and operational milestones.