Le Gabon accélère son virage minier face à la baisse de ses revenus pétroliers

Facing a sharp decline in its oil production revenues, Gabon is now placing its economic bets on a new pillar: mining. Recent months have seen a flurry of announcements backed by investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. Exploration and research activities are underway across several provinces, with projections that the country could emerge as a global leader in mineral production by 2030.

Mining revolution led by ministerial vision

Seven months into his tenure as Gabon‘s Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema reports a palpable momentum building around the mining sector’s potential to transform the nation’s economy, currently overly reliant on oil revenues. «We have identified and programmed the opening of several mines between 2026 and 2030. Within this timeframe, we have pinpointed nearly eight mines that will become operational. These include Milingui for iron, the potash mine, Etéké for gold, Baniaka for iron, Mébaga for iron, and M’Bilan for iron», the minister details.

The establishment of these new mining operations is expected to generate thousands of jobs and drive sector growth into double-digit figures. «Today, we stand at 6%, but our goal is to increase this percentage in the coming months and years, aiming to surpass 15-20%», Minister Nguema Nguema states confidently.

Economic dividends hinge on infrastructure

While the mining sector’s prospects are promising, economist Orphée Mouelé, a graduate of Omar Bongo University, underscores the critical role of infrastructure development. «The technical success of this sector relies on essential factors: building transport infrastructures like roads, railways, ports, and bridges to efficiently transport minerals. Equally vital is strengthening energy production capacities, as energy is fundamental», the expert emphasizes.

The NGO Éthique et bonne gouvernance (Ethics and Good Governance) applauds the economic potential of Gabon’s mining sector but highlights the need for tangible social impact. Dr. Edmiaune Zouga, the organization’s president, shares: «The most important aspect for us is social impact. These future operations must benefit the average citizen. Gabonese people should feel this economic impact in their daily lives».

In tandem with its ambitious mining expansion, the government is also promoting a new policy for local processing of raw materials to create more wealth and employment opportunities within the country.