Gabon’s mining minister said energy shortages will not justify missing the 2029 raw manganese export ban.
The policy, introduced last year, aims to diversify Gabon’s economy and capture more value from the world’s second-largest manganese production.
Manganese, critical for steelmaking and electric vehicle batteries, has long been exported in raw form, limiting the country’s industrial growth.
Frequent power shortages in Gabon have raised concerns about delaying refinery construction for energy-intensive manganese processing.
Mining firms, including France’s Eramet, have expressed willingness to comply but warned that electricity limitations remain a significant challenge.
Speaking at the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, Minister Sosthene Nguema Nguema dismissed power constraints as a valid excuse.
“Energy is a false debate,” Nguema said, highlighting technologies that reduce power use by 40 to 60 percent in mining operations.
Gabon exported 9.4 million metric tons of manganese in 2024, down 5.3 percent from the previous year, mostly in raw form.
Miners are required to submit detailed timelines and show measurable progress toward compliance, with administrative support provided by the government.
Eramet, amid CEO changes, must meet the same standards as all other operators, Nguema stressed, warning against preferential treatment.
Gabon expects two new iron ore mines, Milingui and Baniaka, to begin operations this year as part of sector expansion efforts.
Companies failing to commence construction or production by December 31, 2026, risk losing their licences, Nguema warned, underscoring government resolve.
The minister’s remarks signal Gabon’s determination to enforce its industrial policy, despite infrastructure hurdles and private sector concerns.