[Ferro-Alloys.com] Gabon is becoming a manganese hub: Japan invests in local processing

Gabon, the world's second largest producer of manganese with 4.6 million tonnes extracted in 2023, is preparing a major change in its mining policy. The government has decided to end exports of raw ore by 2029 in order to encourage local processing and increase industrial added value on its soil.

This strategic direction was at the heart of discussions at the Osaka World Expo, where Gabonese Vice-President Alexandre Barro Chambrier met with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya on 29 July 2025. The exchange strengthened cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of industry, energy and natural resources.

Among the interested parties, Asia Minerals Limited (AML), a Japanese company specialising in manganese, is considering setting up a processing plant in Gabon. AML, which has been operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo since May 2025, emphasises Gabon's strategic importance in the global manganese supply chain.

The French group Eramet, which has been operating in Gabon for more than three decades and employs around 8,000 people, reacted cautiously to this announcement. Despite a fall in its share price following the government's decision, Eramet says it is ready to engage in dialogue to adapt its model to the new local requirements.

This move is part of Gabon's broader desire to diversify its economy, which has until now been dependent on oil and timber. By prioritising industrial transformation and attracting targeted foreign investment, particularly from Japan, the country aims to strengthen its economic autonomy and stimulate local job creation.

Gabon's stated intention to completely transform its manganese production from 2029 onwards is meeting with increasingly favourable responses from international investors.

On a mission to Japan since Wednesday 23 July 2025 as part of the ‘Osaka 2025’ World Expo, the Gabonese delegation, led by Vice-President Alexandre Barro Chambrier, held two important meetings on Monday 28 July 2025 in Tokyo.

Notably with Asia Minerals Limited (AML), the Japanese manganese giant.

Discussions with Gabonese Minister of Industry Lubin Ntoutoume focused on the creation of a local processing unit.

AML announced that it would be visiting Gabon next week to further explore this strategic project.

• [Editor:tianyawei]