Gabon is moving to deepen domestic processing of manganese, one of its most important mineral resources, through a proposed expansion of its partnership with French mining group Eramet as the country seeks to capture greater economic value from its mineral wealth.
The agreement between the Gabonese government and Eramet, signed during President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema’s visit to France, outlines plans to study new manganese processing facilities capable of treating up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually by 2031.
The proposed developments come ahead of Gabon’s planned restriction on exports of unprocessed manganese from 2029, a policy aimed at encouraging greater industrial activity within the country rather than relying primarily on raw mineral exports.
Gabon is Africa’s second largest manganese producer and one of the world’s leading suppliers of the mineral, which is primarily used in steel production. Through its subsidiary Comilog official website, Eramet has operated in Gabon for decades, with mining operations centred around the Moanda region.
The proposed projects represent a shift towards expanding the country’s role within the manganese value chain, moving beyond extraction towards processing and potentially the production of materials linked to emerging technologies.
Under the memorandum of understanding, Eramet and the Gabonese government will examine several industrial initiatives, including a manganese oxide facility focused on battery materials and specialty steels, the expansion of existing metallurgical facilities in Moanda, and a new manganese alloy production plant serving global steel markets.
The proposed facilities could collectively increase Gabon’s domestic processing capacity while creating additional opportunities in manufacturing, employment and industrial services.
For Gabon, the strategy reflects a wider continental debate about how resource rich African economies can gain greater economic benefits from their mineral endowments. Many countries across Africa have historically exported minerals in their raw form, with much of the processing and higher value manufacturing occurring elsewhere.
Governments across the continent have increasingly sought to alter that model by encouraging investment in local beneficiation, infrastructure development and downstream industries. Countries including Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea have introduced policies designed to increase domestic participation in critical mineral supply chains.
The global transition towards electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies has increased attention on minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese. Manganese remains predominantly linked to steel production, which accounts for the vast majority of global consumption, but demand for battery grade manganese is expected to expand as manufacturers explore ways to improve battery performance and reduce reliance on more expensive materials.
The proposed Gabonese manganese oxide project would initially target production of approximately 10,000 tonnes annually, subject to technical assessments, environmental considerations, market conditions and a final investment decision by Eramet.
While the opportunity is significant, entering the battery materials market presents challenges. China currently dominates much of the global processing capacity for battery related minerals, including manganese chemicals, creating a highly competitive environment for new producers.
The success of Gabon’s ambitions will therefore depend on several factors, including reliable energy supply, infrastructure development, financing, international demand and the ability of producers to meet the technical requirements of global battery manufacturers.
Eramet has indicated that investment decisions will depend on commercial viability assessments, while the Gabonese government has committed to supporting the energy infrastructure required for industrial expansion.
Beyond manganese processing, the partnership also includes plans to explore the development of a domestic biochar industry using forestry waste as an alternative input for metallurgical processes. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce emissions associated with mineral processing while creating additional industrial opportunities.
The two parties also intend to establish a “Made in Gabon” industrial development fund aimed at supporting local enterprises and expanding participation in the country’s manufacturing ecosystem.
For African economies, the discussion around critical minerals increasingly extends beyond ownership of resources towards participation in global value chains. The continent holds significant deposits of minerals essential for the energy transition, but the economic impact will depend on the ability to develop skills, infrastructure, technology and industrial capacity alongside extraction.
Gabon’s manganese strategy reflects this broader ambition. Rather than viewing mineral wealth solely as an export opportunity, policymakers are seeking to position natural resources as a foundation for industrial development.
However, the memorandum with Eramet remains a framework for cooperation rather than a final investment commitment. The proposed projects will require further feasibility studies, financing arrangements and regulatory approvals before construction can proceed.
If successfully implemented, the developments could strengthen Gabon’s position in the global manganese industry while contributing to wider efforts across Africa to increase local participation in the emerging green economy.
For the continent, the challenge remains balancing the need for foreign investment and global market access with the long term objective of building domestic industrial capability around Africa’s natural resources.
