Gabon Targets 15–20% Mining Sector Growth by 2030 Amid Oil Decline

Gabon is pivoting toward mining as a strategic economic engine amid falling oil production. Recent announcements have been accompanied by financial commitments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, according to official statements and reporting.

Mining Expansion Timeline and Site Portfolio

Radio France Internationale reports that exploration and prospecting activities are currently underway across multiple Gabonese regions. The government projects these efforts could position Gabon among the world’s leading mineral producers by 2030. Sostine Nguema Nguema, Minister of Mines—seven months into his tenure—described the sector as exhibiting promising momentum and identified mining as the emerging driver of national economic growth, which remains heavily reliant on petroleum revenues.

The minister confirmed that Gabon has established a timeline for launching several new mines between 2026 and 2030. Approximately eight mining sites have been selected for imminent production. These include the Milingui iron mine, a potash mine, the Etéké gold mine, the Baniaka iron mine, the Mébaga iron mine, and the M’Bilan iron mine.

Growth Targets and Employment Impact

According to Nguema Nguema, the opening of these new mining locations is expected to generate thousands of jobs. He stated that the sector is currently recording 6% growth and outlined plans to raise that figure in the coming months and years, targeting a range of 15% to 20%.

Infrastructure and Energy as Prerequisites

A report notes that such expansion is technically feasible—but underscores a critical precondition: infrastructure development. Orphée Mouéli, an economist trained at Omar Bongo University, emphasized that success hinges on several essential factors. Chief among them is building transport infrastructure—including roads, railways, ports, and bridges—to ensure proper mineral transportation. Equally vital, he added, is strengthening domestic energy generation capacity, given energy’s foundational role in mining operations.

Social Impact and Local Value Addition

The organization Éthique et bonne gouvernance has welcomed the sector’s economic prospects. Dr. Edmion Zouga, its president, stressed that tangible social outcomes must accompany future extraction activities. “What matters most to us is the social impact,” she said, as cited in the report. “This must reach the ordinary citizen and improve their standing; Gabonese people must feel this economic effect in their daily lives and livelihoods.”

Concurrently with intensified mineral exploitation, the Gabonese government is pursuing a new policy focused on domestic processing of raw materials. This initiative aims to increase national wealth creation and expand employment opportunities within the country.