According to Eramet's press release, the group and its subsidiary Eramet Comilog signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gabonese government on 20 July 2026 in Paris on developing the manganese value chain, in the presence of Presidents Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Emmanuel Macron. The roadmap aims to process up to 700,000 tonnes (700 kt) of ore a year in Gabon by end-2031.
Three scenarios are under study. The first is a manganese oxide plant in the Libreville area with an initial capacity of 10 kt a year (about 20 kt of ore), which could start operating by end-2028 subject to a final investment decision. The second is the refurbishment of the Moanda Metallurgical Complex, with capacity of up to 70 kt of alloys a year (about 150 kt of ore) and a restart targeted by end-2029. The third is a new 265 kt a year alloy plant near the coast, requiring about 530 kt of ore, which could start in 2031 after a separate investment agreement and once energy and logistics are secured.
The memorandum recognises access to competitive energy as a prerequisite, with the State committing to develop the energy solutions needed for the new alloy plant. A monitoring committee of the State, Eramet and Eramet Comilog will meet at least once a quarter. Eramet also plans a biochar industry based on log production waste, launched in July 2026 with Precious Woods through a pilot furnace in Lastourville, and a Made in Gabon industrial seed fund targeting 3,000 jobs over time. The press release was published in full by Gabonactu.
