Gabon wants to double state ownership in mining projects to 20%

Gabon wants to double the government's minimum ownership stake in operating mining projects from 10% to 20%, a change that would give the state a larger share of the country's mineral resources. Mines Minister Sosthène Nguema Nguema confirmed the proposal as part of reforms under a new Mining Code currently in preparation, according to information published on Tuesday, November 3.

Under Article 7 of Gabon's current Mining Code, adopted in 2019, the government is entitled to an "automatic 10% stake, free of charge and protected against dilution" in the capital of mining companies. The law also allows the state to acquire an additional stake of up to 25%, although this is optional and must be purchased. In an interview with local media, shared on the Mines Ministry's official page, Nguema Nguema described the current minimum stake as "a rate tantamount to plunder." He said the proposed increase to 20% would apply to all minerals extracted in Gabon, including iron ore, manganese, gold, rare earths, and potash.

According to the minister, the new Mining Code containing the reform is expected by next week. If adopted, the measure would add to a series of government initiatives aimed at capturing more value from Gabon's natural resources and increasing their contribution to the national economy.

These initiatives include a proposed ban on raw mineral exports by 2029, particularly manganese, and efforts to encourage more domestic mineral processing. Through these measures, Gabon aims to increase the mining sector's contribution to GDP from its current 6% to at least 15%. The strategy also includes opening eight new mines between 2026 and 2030.

Gabon is the world's second-largest manganese producer and hosts several major international mining companies. These include French mining group Eramet, Australian company Fortescue, which is developing the future Belinga iron ore mine, and Millennial Potash, which is involved in the Banio potash project.