🇬🇦GabonCentral Africa
Gabon's Minister of Mines urges acceleration of Potasse Banio project for mid-2029 production start
via Gabon Review2 min read
Gabon's Minister of Mines and Geological Resources, Sosthène Nguema Nguema, visited the Potasse Banio project site in Nyanga province on July 6, 2026. The visit aimed to assess the progress of exploration work for this strategic mining project, which is expected to diversify Gabon's economy and create jobs. Accompanied by Nyanga Governor Jean Robert Mabobet and guided by Potasse Banio Director General Valvy Pandi Maghoungou, the minister inspected various wells and drilling sites, observing core samples to evaluate the quality of extracted materials. While satisfied with the exploration campaign's progress, Minister Nguema Nguema urged project officials to accelerate the pace. He believes that production, currently slated for late 2029, could begin by mid-2029, gaining approximately six months. The project prioritizes local content, already employing local labor and projected to create 300 to 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs, aligning with President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema's vision for combating unemployment and developing national skills.
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