Eramet and Gabon government sign manganese value chain development agreement aiming for 700,000 tonnes of local processing by 2031
via Gabon Review2 min read
Eramet and its subsidiary Eramet Comilog signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gabonese government in Paris on July 20, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The agreement focuses on developing the manganese value chain, with a goal to process up to 700,000 tonnes of ore annually in Gabon by the end of 2031. This marks a significant step in ongoing discussions between Libreville and the French mining group regarding local manganese processing. The protocol outlines a shared roadmap and structured work method to develop profitable industrial solutions in Gabon, creating added value and sustainable jobs. Comilog has already been processing some of its ore at the Moanda Industrial Complex since 2000 and the Moanda Metallurgical Complex CMM since 2015. The agreement establishes shared responsibilities, with the Gabonese state committing to ensure access to competitive energy, while Eramet retains control over assessing project profitability, subject to final investment decisions. A tripartite monitoring committee will meet at least quarterly to track progress. Three industrial scenarios are under consideration: building a manganese oxide plant near Libreville with an initial capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year, potentially operational by late 2028; renovating the CMM, which could restart by late 2029 with an increased capacity of up to 70,000 tonnes of alloys annually; and constructing a new 26
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