Reporting from Libreville

Seven months into his tenure as Gabon’s Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema is convinced that mining is about to become the new engine of Gabon’s economy, which has long relied on dwindling oil revenues. «We have identified and programmed the launch of several mines between 2026 and 2030. Within this timeframe, nearly eight mines will come into operation. These include Milingui for iron, the potash mine, Etéké for gold, Baniaka for iron, Mébaga for iron, and M’Bilan for iron», the minister explains.

The opening of these new mining sites is expected to generate thousands of jobs. The minister is targeting double-digit growth in the sector. «We are currently at 6%, but we aim to increase this figure in the coming months and years to surpass 15-20%», Sosthène Nguema Nguema states.

Economic dividends on the horizon

This ambitious transformation is contingent on robust infrastructure development, according to economist Orphée Mouelé, a graduate of Omar Bongo University. «Technical success depends on several critical factors: the construction of transport infrastructure—roads, railways, ports, and bridges—to efficiently transport minerals. Equally vital is strengthening energy production capacities, as energy is fundamental», he emphasizes.

The NGO Ethics and Good Governance welcomes the economic potential of the mining sector. However, its president, Dr. Edmiaune Zouga, stresses the importance of tangible social impact. «The priority for us is social impact. These projects must benefit the average citizen. Gabonese people should feel the economic benefits in their daily lives», she asserts. Alongside its push for large-scale mineral exploitation, the government is also promoting local processing of raw materials to create additional wealth and jobs within the country.