THE RARE MINERALS OF GABON

GABON'S MINERAL RESOURCES: A WEALTH AT THE HEART OF THE ECONOMY

Gabon enjoys an abundance of mineral resources which have been the essential driver of its economic development. These resources, managed responsibly, play a major role in economic growth and the diversification of industrial activities, giving Gabon a strategic position on the global stage as a rich and coveted land.

MANGANESE: PILLAR OF INDUSTRY AND ELECTRIFICATION

Gabon stands out as one of the leading global producers of manganese, with abundant deposits mainly concentrated around Moanda. Compagnie Minière de l'Ogooué (COMILOG) is a key player in the exploitation of these reserves, making a significant contribution to the national economy. Besides its role in the steel industry, where it enhances the properties of steel, manganese finds crucial applications in battery manufacturing, especially those used in electric vehicles. Hence, its importance in transitioning towards cleaner energies.

IRON: FOUNDATION OF INDUSTRY AND CONSTRUCTION

The vast iron ore deposits, mainly located in the Belinga region, represent a considerable wealth for Gabon. The exploitation of iron holds paramount importance in the context of industrial development, offering significant opportunities for steel production and related activities. As a fundamental component of steel, iron is ubiquitous in construction and manufacturing, contributing to a multitude of applications, ranging from infrastructure construction to consumer goods manufacturing.

GOLD: BRILLIANT PROMISE FOR INDUSTRY AND FINANCE

Although gold mining is not as developed as that of other minerals, Gabon possesses significant gold deposits, especially in the Bakoudou region. These gold resources promise a cumulative exploitation potential that could play an increased role in the future. Gold, as a store of value, plays an essential role in jewelry and finds technological applications in areas such as electronics, medical, and space technologies.

URANIUM

Gabon holds significant uranium reserves, in sites near Mounana. Although uranium mining is not as intensive as that of other minerals, these reserves constitute a strategic resource, especially in the energy context. Uranium, albeit controversial due to its use in nuclear energy, remains an essential energy source for electricity production, with applications in medical and military fields.

NIOBIUM: METAL OF INNOVATION AND PERFORMANCE

With its deposits, Gabon is a significant player in the global Niobium market. A chemical element of the transition metal family, niobium is known for its corrosion resistance and its ability to enhance the properties of metal alloys. It finds crucial applications in the aerospace industry, the production of high-performance steel, electronic technologies, and even in the manufacturing of superalloys used in extreme environments.

PHOSPHATES: SUPPORTING GLOBAL AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

The phosphate deposits, located near Lambaréné, are essential for food security and sustainable agriculture. Primarily used in fertilizer production, phosphates support global agriculture and find applications in the chemical industry for manufacturing products such as detergents.

RARE MINERALS: UNKNOWN TREASURES OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIES

Gabon is also distinguished by its deposits of rare minerals such as monazite, bastnasite, and xenotime. Although less known, these minerals are of paramount importance in advanced industries, including electronics, green technologies, and renewable energies. These rare minerals are indispensable in the production of green technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, thereby contributing to the transition towards more sustainable energies.

Minerals play a leading role in the Gabonese economy by contributing to export revenues, creating jobs, promoting economic diversification, and stimulating industrial and infrastructural development. Balanced and sustainable management of this precious resource is essential to optimize its long-term benefits.