Gabon revokes mining permits to control gold production

Gabon has revoked 52 mining titles as part of a reorganization aimed at better controlling the production and sale of gold, some of which continues to bypass official channels. The move, completed on October 16, follows the suspension of small-scale gold mining in June after authorities dismantled an illegal mining network in the Ngounié region.

Revoked permits may not be reassigned immediately

The government says the withdrawn titles return to the public domain, but it cannot immediately reassign them. According to the 2019 Mining Code, affected parties have 60 days to file a recourse, which can delay the process. Additionally, new assignments require more than three months after the official publication of the return of these areas.

State-owned company gains more control

A 2023 decree grants the national mining operator, the Equatorial Mining Company (SEM), a right of preemption over areas affected by the withdrawal. This allows the SEM to develop partnerships and secure new permits. In September, the SEM announced three new exploitation agreements, including the acquisition of the Mboumba permit.

Minister criticizes illegal mining practices

In an interview with local media, the Minister of Mines, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, accused some companies of exploiting gold with only an exploration permit and avoiding required taxes. He noted that some companies returned their permits, claiming they found nothing, despite evidence they had already mined.

Estimates of illegal gold trade remain uncertain

Official gold production in Gabon was estimated at 425 kg in 2023, while informal production is believed to be between one and two tonnes per year. The government has also cited losses of nearly 75 billion CFA francs annually due to illegal gold trade, though the method used to calculate this figure was not specified.

Government aims to centralize gold processing and sales

Gabon has a refinery and a gold collection counter, with a capacity of 7 to 10 tonnes of gold per year. The government plans to require all gold production to pass through these facilities and restrict sales to approved counters, pending the adoption of a new Mining Code. With gold prices having more than doubled since 2020, the financial stakes are significant, but the success of these reforms will depend on various factors, including pricing and monitoring capabilities.