Gabon’s mining sector is poised for a major transformation following a landmark agreement signed in Paris. The deal between the Gabonese government and French mining giant Eramet, through its subsidiary Comilog, pledges to significantly increase local processing of Gabon’s manganese. The ambitious target? Reaching 700,000 metric tons of processed manganese by 2031. High-level negotiations culminated in a signing ceremony at the Élysée Palace, attended by Gabon’s transitional president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Eramet’s leadership, underscoring the deal’s strategic importance.
From raw exports to local refining: a decade-long push
Since the military-led transition in August 2023, Gabon has intensified calls for greater domestic value addition from its mineral wealth. Despite being the world’s second-largest manganese producer, the country has long shipped most of its output as unprocessed ore, allowing foreign industries to capture the added value. This agreement marks a decisive shift in policy, even if the current framework remains non-binding. For Eramet, which has operated in Gabon for over six decades through Comilog, the pledge aligns with Libreville’s long-standing demands for deeper local engagement. The Paris agreement reflects a hard-won compromise after years of friction over resource exploitation.
To meet the 700,000-ton target, Eramet must expand existing metallurgical units and develop new industrial infrastructure. The group, listed on the CAC index, relies heavily on its Gabonese operations in Moanda, Haut-Ogooué, for a significant portion of its revenue. Scaling up processing capacity will require substantial investments in plant upgrades and logistical systems. While the timeline allows for phased implementation, it also sets a clear deadline for the transitional government, which is determined to demonstrate tangible progress before 2031.
Manganese processing as a pillar of Gabon’s economic sovereignty
Gabon’s transitional leadership has made reclaiming the added value from its mineral resources a cornerstone of its economic strategy. Manganese, a critical input for global steelmaking and increasingly vital for lithium-ion batteries, sits at the heart of this vision. Local processing promises multiple benefits: higher tax revenues, skilled job creation, and positioning Gabon in higher-value market segments. The 2031 deadline serves as both a challenge and an opportunity for the government to prove its commitment to structural economic change.
However, translating the agreement into concrete action will require more than political will. Eramet must finalize investment plans, conduct feasibility studies, and secure funding—details that remain undisclosed at this stage. The absence of a disclosed financial commitment adds an element of uncertainty, though the political momentum behind the deal suggests strong backing from both sides. Gabon’s energy deficit poses another hurdle, as processing 700,000 tons of ore demands substantial and reliable electricity supply. A coherent energy strategy will be essential to avoid delays or incomplete fulfillment of the 2031 target.
A model for future mining agreements in Gabon
The Eramet agreement sets a precedent that could reshape Gabon’s mining negotiations moving forward. Authorities may leverage this framework to renegotiate terms with other operators, particularly for minerals like iron and rare earths. The government’s ability to enforce the 2031 deadline will serve as a litmus test for its broader strategy of resource sovereignty. Success here could redefine Gabon’s role in the global mining value chain, shifting from a supplier of raw materials to a player in industrial production.
For Eramet, the deal offers more than just a production target—it represents a chance to secure long-term operational stability in Gabon. The group faces challenges elsewhere, including assets in Argentina and Indonesia, making a stable African anchor increasingly valuable. Beyond economic benefits, local processing could also enhance Gabon’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) credentials, appealing to European investors scrutinizing sustainable supply chains.
The Paris ceremony, attended by top officials from both nations, underscored the deal’s political significance. While the protocol is non-binding, its high-profile endorsement signals a new chapter in Gabon-France relations, particularly as Libreville seeks to rebuild partnerships post-transition. The manganese processing push is more than an industrial project—it’s a statement of Gabon’s determination to control its economic destiny.