Chinese investors set sights on Gabon’s banio potash project

The southern province of Nyanga is drawing fresh attention for its vast mining potential, with government officials and international investors converging on the region. This week, Vice-President Hermann Immongault led high-level discussions involving ministers of Transport, Universal Access to Water and Energy, Mines, Industry, and Environment, alongside executives from China’s Hui Neng Group, to explore investment prospects tied to the Banio potash deposit—one of Gabon’s most promising mining ventures.

Hui Neng Group, already operational in Laos and Sierra Leone, is expanding into Gabon to participate in the Banio potash project. Vice-President Li Yongzhen outlined the company’s interest in understanding the country’s policy framework, support mechanisms, and partnership opportunities. Specializing in energy, thermal chemistry, and potash, the group positions itself as a key industrial ally. “We have a Gabon investment project in progress and want to gain clarity on the government’s strategic direction and the conditions for developing the Banio project,” Li stated after the meeting.

government unveils infrastructure blueprint to fuel industrial growth

During the session, officials highlighted major infrastructure initiatives designed to support Nyanga’s mining expansion. A key focus is the planned deep-water port at Mayumba, under negotiation with Abu Dhabi Group, which would streamline the export of potash, iron, marble, and other mineral resources. On the energy front, authorities presented a roadmap to increase national power generation from 16.5 megawatts today to over 2,100 megawatts by 2030, ensuring reliable energy for future industries.

Following the talks, Li Yongzhen expressed satisfaction with the government’s responses. Future steps include on-site inspections, infrastructure assessments, and technical analyses of the project in collaboration with relevant agencies. Vice-President Immongault welcomed Hui Neng’s engagement, reaffirming Gabon’s commitment to attracting value-adding investments that foster economic diversification, energy independence, and local resource processing. “All activities will be carried out in Gabon with full adherence to environmental standards,” he affirmed.