Gabon’s manganese sector gears up for local processing boom

Production dips spotlight logistical hurdles

Production of manganese in Gabon slipped to 9.1 million tonnes, drawing attention to the sector’s logistical bottlenecks. Frequent breakdowns and bottlenecks along the Transgabonais railway line, which connects key mining sites to the Owendo port, have repeatedly disrupted operations. Despite these challenges, the fourth quarter of 2025 marked a significant rebound in output.

The rebound was driven by the restart of operations at the Moanda and Franceville deposits, resulting in a 10.8% increase in national production compared to the previous quarter, as reported by the Directorate General of Economy and Fiscal Policy (DEPF). Beyond extraction, the industry is gradually shifting toward local processing of manganese ore.

State and Eramet join forces for local transformation

In July 2026, the Gabonese government and French multinational Eramet formalized a landmark agreement in Paris. Under this deal, Eramet committed to processing up to 700,000 tonnes of manganese ore annually in Gabon by the end of 2031. Three potential pathways are under consideration: upgrading the Moanda metallurgical complex, establishing processing units at Owendo, or setting up a manganese oxide battery plant near Libreville.

The Ministry of Industry clarified that the 700,000-tonne commitment applies exclusively to Eramet, emphasizing that other operators must also contribute to the local transformation effort. This push aligns with broader efforts to meet the 2029 deadline, when raw manganese ore exports will be prohibited.

Sustainability at the core of industrial strategy

Eramet is also prioritizing energy supply and the integration of biocharcoal in its processing plans. These measures reflect the company’s commitment to sustainable practices as it prepares for a future without raw ore exports. The move underscores a broader shift toward value-added production and reduced environmental impact in Gabon’s mining sector.