Le Gabon veut prendre le virage de l’exploitation minière

Facing a steady decline in oil revenues, Gabon is making a bold pivot toward mining. Over the past months, the government has committed hundreds of millions of dollars to accelerate exploration and development across key provinces. By 2030, authorities aim to position Gabon among the world’s top mineral producers.

Mining sector ambitions

Seven months into his tenure as Gabon’s Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema outlines an ambitious roadmap. «We have identified and scheduled the opening of nearly eight new mines between 2026 and 2030,» he explains. These include Milingui for iron, a potash mine, Etéké for gold, Baniaka for iron, Mébaga for iron, and M’Bilan for iron. The minister emphasizes the transformative potential of these projects, projecting double-digit growth in the mining sector—currently at 6%—toward 15-20% within years.

Infrastructure and social impact

Economist Orphée Mouelé, a graduate of Omar Bongo University, stresses that success hinges on robust infrastructure. «Critical factors include new roads, railways, ports, and bridges to transport minerals efficiently, alongside expanded energy capacity,» he notes. The NGO Éthique et Bonne Gouvernance welcomes the economic potential but urges tangible social benefits. «The priority is ensuring these projects uplift ordinary citizens,» says its president, Dr. Edmiaune Zouga. «Gabonese must feel the impact in their daily lives.» Alongside extraction, the government is promoting local processing of raw materials to create additional value and jobs.