Gabon's mining minister said on Wednesday that energy shortages will not be accepted as justification for missing the country's 2029 ban on raw manganese exports, dismissing industry warnings that power constraints could delay refinery construction.

The world's No.2 producer of manganese, used in steelmaking and increasingly in electric vehicle batteries, introduced the policy last year to diversify its economy after decades of raw‑ore exports, joining other African states seeking to capture more value from their mineral wealth.

Power shortages are frequent in the Central African nation, hampering the expansion of energy-intensive industrialisation. 

Mining companies operating in the country, including France’s Eramet, have expressed a willingness to cooperate with the government on the new refining rules but have noted that power limitations remain a challenge.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Mining Indaba conference in Cape Town, Gabon Mining Minister Sosthene Nguema Nguema said alternative technologies had proven that power concerns should no longer be a barrier.

"Energy is a false debate," Nguema said. "Some operators have already demonstrated processes that reduce energy use by 40 to 60%. So, we do not expect energy to be a reason for anyone not to comply in 2029."

DETAILED TIMELINE 
Gabon exported 9.4 million metric tons of manganese in 2024, down 5.3% the previous year, according to official data. The majority of it is exported in its raw state.

Nguema said all manganese miners must submit detailed implementation timelines and show measurable progress toward compliance.

"We are providing the administrative support companies need, but the responsibility to meet the deadline is theirs," Nguema said, reiterating that the 2029 timeline was non-negotiable. 

He added that the management crisis at Eramet, which controls Gabon's Comilog, operator of the world's largest manganese mine in Moanda, should not affect its compliance.

"Eramet must comply like everyone else.”

Eramet's February 1 decision to fire its CEO does not alter the group’s strategy and is unrelated to its activities in Gabon, Eramet said in an emailed statement, declining further comment.

TWO IRON MINES
Nguema said Gabon expects two new mines — Milingui and Baniaka iron-ore mines — to come online this year, part of a push to expand the sector. 

He warned that companies that fail to begin construction or production will lose their licences. 

"Those who promise to open mines in 2026 and have not kept their word by 31 December will be told to leave the country," he said.