Gabon’s manganese production dipped to 9.1 million tonnes, drawing attention to critical logistical bottlenecks along the Transgabonais railway line leading to the Owendo port. Though transport disruptions persisted, the fourth quarter of 2025 marked a strong rebound in output.

This recovery was driven by the reactivation of key mining sites in Moanda and Franceville, pushing the national production index up by 10.8% compared to the previous quarter, as reported by the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy. Beyond extraction, the industry is gradually embracing local processing as a strategic priority.

Government and Eramet forge partnership to boost manganese transformation

In July 2026, the Gabonese government and the French multinational Eramet formalized a landmark agreement in Paris. The pact commits Eramet to processing up to 700,000 tonnes of manganese ore annually within Gabon by the end of 2031. Three development pathways are under consideration: upgrading the existing metallurgical complex in Moanda, establishing new processing units near Owendo, or constructing a manganese oxide battery plant close to Libreville.

The Ministry of Industry has clarified that Eramet’s commitment represents only part of the broader transformation initiative. Other mining operators are expected to contribute significantly to increasing local value addition in the sector.

Industrial transition accelerates ahead of raw ore export ban

Eramet is also advancing plans to secure a stable energy supply and integrate biocharcoal into its operations, signaling a clear move toward compliance with the 2029 deadline—when Gabon will prohibit the export of unprocessed manganese ore. These efforts underscore the company’s proactive stance in aligning with national industrialization goals and sustainable resource management.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter