Manganese industry drives economic debate in Gabon

The transformation of manganese into higher-value products has become a central topic in Gabon this year. As a country rich in mineral resources, Gabon is examining how much value it can retain from its raw materials, what jobs it can create, and what industries it can develop around its natural resources. This goal is being pursued through large-scale projects like the Moanda Industrial Complex (CIM) and the Moanda Metallurgical Complex (CMM).

Challenges in creating local value

The mining industry’s ability to generate sustainable development depends on factors like electricity, water, roads, skilled labor, and local businesses that can supply goods and services. For communities near mines, success is not measured only by short-term gains but by the long-term viability of jobs and revenue after mining activity declines.

Eramet Comilog's investment and partnerships

Eramet Comilog, the main manganese producer in Gabon, has invested nearly 9 billion CFA francs in 2025 and has worked closely with the government to develop a comprehensive strategy. This includes two financial mechanisms established in 2020: the Local Community Development Fund and a Corporate Social Responsibility Fund, both aimed at supporting local communities and infrastructure.

Funding for community development

In 2025, these funds provided 7.4 billion CFA francs in new funding, adding to a total available amount of 10.4 billion CFA francs. Of that, 8.6 billion was spent on various projects, including health, education, water, energy, infrastructure, and economic diversification. These initiatives are managed by a governance structure that includes the Gabonese government, local community representatives, and Eramet Comilog.

Improving access to water in Moanda

A key project in Moanda is the development of eleven industrial boreholes, which will provide an additional 110 cubic meters per hour of potable water. This effort is part of a broader strategy to improve living conditions and support industrial operations in the area. Eramet Comilog also focuses on education, with plans to build the Moanda Excellence High School, which will create over 350 local jobs.

Creating employment beyond mining

The long-term sustainability of mining projects depends on generating employment outside the mine itself. Eramet Comilog has launched the Start-Up Fund, which provides financial support to small businesses through guarantees given to microfinance institutions. In 2025, 44 projects received 260 million CFA francs in funding for sectors such as agriculture, commerce, and the digital industry.

Supporting local businesses and skills

Eramet Comilog has also focused on strengthening local small and medium-sized enterprises, with 42% of its services contracted to local companies. Over 3,000 jobs have been created through these partnerships. The company has gone beyond legal requirements, supporting local businesses and helping them grow. This approach is complemented by training programs, such as the "Business Cafés" that brought together 138 participants in 2025.

Legal framework for local development

Gabon’s legal framework, including the decree of January 22, 2021, encourages local development and corporate social responsibility by incorporating local content into mining projects. Eramet Comilog has embraced this by aligning its initiatives with public priorities and private investment, creating a model that could inspire other companies in the region.

A model for sustainable economic growth

The partnership between Eramet Comilog and the Gabonese government highlights how public and private efforts can combine to support local economies. This model shows that corporate social responsibility and local content policies can be more than temporary measures, instead helping to build sustainable companies, create jobs, and strengthen local communities. As Gabon continues to push for more local transformation, the success of these efforts will be measured by their ability to outlast the mining industry itself.