Gabon is poised for a major transformation in its mining sector following the signing of a landmark agreement in Paris. Eramet, the French multinational, and its Gabonese subsidiary Comilog have committed to significantly increasing local manganese processing capacity. The goal? Reach a production volume of 700,000 tonnes annually by 2031. The historic signing ceremony, held at the Élysée Palace, brought together Gabon’s transitional leader, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and top executives from the French group, underscoring the high-level nature of the negotiations.
From raw export to industrial ambition: a long-awaited shift
For years, Gabon—already the world’s second-largest manganese producer—has exported nearly all its output in raw form. This practice has meant losing out on substantial industrial value-added benefits. The newly signed protocol marks a decisive policy reversal, even if it remains non-binding at this stage. Since the military-led transition took power in August 2023, Libreville has pushed aggressively for greater domestic mineral processing, and this agreement represents a tangible step toward that vision.
For Eramet, which has operated in Gabon for over six decades through Comilog—particularly in the Haut-Ogooué region—the pledge aligns with long-standing local expectations. The company, listed on the CAC index, derives a significant portion of its earnings from its Gabonese operations. Achieving the 2031 target will require substantial investments: expanding existing metallurgical units and building new industrial infrastructure capable of handling the increased volume.
Mining sovereignty takes center stage in Gabon’s economic strategy
The transitional government has made reclaiming mineral value-added a cornerstone of its economic agenda. Manganese, a critical input for global steel production and increasingly vital for lithium-ion batteries, sits at the heart of this strategy. Processing locally means higher fiscal revenues, job creation, and positioning Gabon in higher-value market segments. The 2031 deadline, while ambitious, provides a clear political yardstick for measuring progress.
Yet translating the protocol into concrete action will require more than goodwill. Financial commitments, feasibility studies, and investment decisions must follow. As of now, no total budget has been disclosed by either party. The timeline also raises critical questions about energy supply: processing 700,000 tonnes of manganese demands significant electricity, and Gabon’s infrastructure gaps remain a challenge. Without a robust energy strategy, the 2031 target could remain aspirational rather than achievable.
The signing ceremony took place amid a strengthening of diplomatic ties between Libreville and Paris. Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s visit to France, including his attendance at the Élysée event, signals a new phase in post-coup normalization. The president’s presence lent the agreement political weight beyond its industrial scope, reinforcing its significance in bilateral relations.
Setting a precedent for Gabon’s local content strategy
This deal with Eramet could serve as a blueprint for future negotiations with other mining operators in Gabon. Authorities may leverage this model to renegotiate terms for other minerals, from iron ore to rare earths. The government’s ability to enforce the 2031 timeline will test the credibility of its broader mining sovereignty doctrine.
For Eramet, the upside includes securing long-term operational stability in Gabon—a crucial anchor amid challenges in its Argentine and Indonesian assets. Successfully localizing manganese processing could also enhance the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) profile, a growing priority for European investors scrutinizing supply chains.
As Gabon charts its industrial future, the manganese transformation target will be closely watched. It’s not just about economic gains; it’s about reclaiming control over a resource that has shaped the nation’s identity on the global stage.
