Gabon recorded a significant rise in its revenue in 2024, thanks to its production of manganese.
The surge in revenue was attributed to Gabon’s increasing manganese output, contributing to the country’s income growth in 2024.
Manganese, a critical mineral for steel production and battery manufacturing, has become a key driver of Gabon’s economic growth.
According to reports, revenue from Gabon’s manganese mining sector increased by 5.8%, rising from $978 million at the end of September 2023 to over $1 billion by 2024.
The primary factor behind this revenue boost was a 16.7% rise in manganese ore prices during the period under review.
Fluctuations in global demand, supply chain disruptions, and the mineral’s growing importance in emerging industries—particularly in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries—played a significant role in driving up prices.
Gabon’s manganese output has steadily expanded, reflecting improvements in mining capacity and operational efficiency. Between January and September 2024, total production climbed by 10.7%, reaching 7.5 million tonnes, compared to 6.7 million tonnes in 2023.
This growth can be attributed to increased mining activity, infrastructure investments, and advancements in extraction technology.
TRADE DECLINE DESPITE PRODUCTION GROWTH
Despite higher production levels, Gabon’s manganese export figures tell a different story.
Data from the Ministry of Economy, as reported by local media, shows that the country exported 6.3 million tonnes of manganese in the first nine months of 2024—a 7.7% drop from the 6.8 million tonnes exported during the same period in 2023.
The decline in exports suggests that logistical challenges, geopolitical uncertainties, and global market fluctuations may have affected trade volumes.
Given the volatile nature of manganese prices and demand, Eramet—the parent company of Comilog, which specialises in manganese mining and processing—proposed a plan to Gabon’s president to support its operations in the country.
