Business
Eramet and the Gabonese Republic sign a structured memorandum of understanding to sustainably transform the manganese value chain in Gabon
Eramet and the Gabonese Republic sign a structured memorandum of understanding to sustainably transform the manganese value chain in
About this update from Eramet Sa
Paris, July 20th, 2026, 7:30pmPRESS RELEASE Eramet and the Gabonese Republic sign a structured memorandum of understanding to sustainably transform the manganese value chain in GabonA joint industrial roadmap aimed at increasing the share of manganese ore processed by Eramet Comilog in GabonThree industrial scenarios under study to transform up to 700 kt of manganese ore per year by end-2031 and supply the strategic value chain of energy transition metalsA structured framework to monitor and validate the conditions necessary for the economic viability of the projects and their implementation, in particular access to energy, which the Gabonese Republic commits to ensuringDevelopment of a Gabonese biochar production sector from by-products of the forestry industryLaunch of an industrial seed fund “Made in Gabon” aimed at creating new jobs in the Gabonese industrial sector Eramet and its Gabonese subsidiary Eramet Comilog today signed a memorandum of understanding in Paris with the government of the Gabonese Republic concerning the development of the manganese value chain, in the presence of the President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, and the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron. This agreement defines a shared roadmap and a structured working method to develop profitable industrial solutions in Gabon for the local processing of manganese ore, creating added value for the Gabonese economy and sustainable jobs. Comilog already processes part of its ore in Gabon at the Moanda Industrial Complex since 2000, as well as at the Moanda Metallurgical Complex since 2015.A shared roadmap to develop local manganese processingThis memorandum of understanding defines an ambitious industrial roadmap enabling the processing of up to 700 kt per year of manganese ore by end-2031 in Gabon. The agreement provides for an in-depth study of three industrial scenarios:1) The construction of a manganese oxide production plant, a strategic metal for batteries and high-performance steels, in the Libreville region: With an initial capacity of 10 kt of manganese oxide per year, involving the processing of around 20 kt of ore, this plant would be intended to supply the battery supply chain for electric vehicles or high-performance steels. Its commissioning could take place by end-2028, subject to a formal final investment decision ...