(LVDE) – A delegation of seven companies recently met with Gabonese authorities to discuss industrial projects aligned with the country’s national strategy to enhance the value of natural resources.
Gabon is positioning itself as a key player in the manganese sector, and the growing interest of Chinese investors is reinforcing this dynamic. Recently, a delegation of seven Chinese companies was received by the Gabonese government to explore opportunities under the national policy aimed at maximizing the value of the country’s natural resources. This initiative comes as Gabon, the world’s second-largest producer of manganese, seeks to increase the economic benefits from its mining sector.
The Chinese companies expressed their intention to establish an industrial zone in Gabon dedicated to manganese processing. “We plan to set up a processing plant in line with your government’s manganese valorization policy, which will come into effect in 2029,” said a representative of Inner Mongolia Xinchuan Metallurgy, a company with 23 years of experience in manganese-to-alloy transformation.
This proposal was warmly welcomed by Gilles Nembé, Gabon’s Minister of Mines and Geological Resources. According to him, the initiative “fits perfectly with our national strategy to develop a competitive industrial hub in the mining sector.” The minister emphasized the importance of attracting investments that can process raw materials locally, which is essential for boosting employment and strengthening Gabon’s economic sovereignty.
The government’s strategy includes banning raw manganese exports by 2029, a measure designed to increase the added value of local resources. Currently, manganese is mainly extracted by Comilog, a subsidiary of French group Eramet, and exported without processing. The government aims to reverse this trend to fully capitalize on the country’s natural wealth.
The global economic context, marked by the search for shorter value chains and rising transport costs, makes local processing even more relevant. By developing industrial infrastructure for manganese processing, Gabon hopes to create local jobs and reinforce its economic fabric.
Chinese investors’ interest goes beyond a single meeting. Last July, a Japanese consortium also expressed its intention to invest in building a processing plant in Gabon, illustrating international enthusiasm for manganese transformation. These initiatives fall within a broader framework of economic diversification, as Gabon seeks to reduce its dependence on raw commodity exports.
The numbers speak for themselves: according to recent data, Gabon produced about 4 million tons of manganese in 2023, representing a significant share of its gross domestic product. Implementing local processing projects could multiply these benefits and generate thousands of jobs, positively impacting the lives of Gabonese citizens.
In conclusion, Gabon stands at a decisive turning point in its economic history. With the commitment of foreign partners and a clear national strategy, the country is on track to become a leading industrial hub in Africa’s mining sector. The rise of local manganese processing could not only strengthen the national economy but also improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Esther Grace
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