Gabon is seeking approximately $2 billion in investment to revive its ambitious Mabounié mining project, signaling renewed efforts to develop its mineral resources and strengthen its position in the global critical minerals market.

The proposed investment is expected to support the development of the Mabounié deposit, which has attracted attention because of its potential reserves of rare earth elements and other valuable minerals. Reviving the project could represent an important step in Gabon’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond traditional commodities and generate greater value from its natural resources.

The proposed development is being advanced by Dusk Gabon, a subsidiary of New Energy Metals (NEM), with Chinese engineering company China ENFI Engineering Corporation (ENFI) serving as its technical partner. The latest project update was presented to Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his state visit to China on November 6, 2026. BiFinances +1

Mabounié project enters a new development phase

Located in Gabon’s Moyen-Ogooué province, approximately 50 kilometres west of Lambaréné, the Mabounié deposit is considered one of the country’s most promising untapped mineral assets.

According to information published by the project developer, the deposit contains an estimated 2.3 million tonnes of niobium oxide and around 2 million tonnes of rare earth oxides. It also contains other potentially valuable minerals, including phosphate, tantalum, scandium, titanium and uranium. dusk-uae.ae

The project has experienced a lengthy development history. Previous exploration and technical studies failed to translate into commercial production, partly because of the complexity of processing the ore and the substantial capital requirements involved.

The project returned to the development agenda following an agreement between the Gabonese government and Dusk Gabon in late 2024. Subsequent work focused on updating earlier feasibility studies and identifying a commercially viable development strategy. sikafinance.com +1

Seven industrial facilities planned

A major feature of the proposed investment is the intention to establish an integrated industrial complex rather than simply extract and export unprocessed minerals.

Current plans envisage six to seven processing facilities capable of producing nine finished products. This approach is intended to increase domestic mineral processing and allow Gabon to capture a larger share of the value generated from its natural resources.

The project presentation also refers to an annual production figure of 16,000 tonnes. However, further technical clarification will be needed to establish precisely which products or production categories this figure represents. Le Radar +1

Preparatory earthworks have reportedly been assigned to a Gabonese company, while the broader construction programme is expected to move forward in 2027.

Strategic importance of niobium and rare earth elements

The growing international demand for critical minerals has increased the strategic importance of deposits such as Mabounié.

Niobium is widely used in the production of high-strength steel, particularly for infrastructure, transport and industrial applications. Rare earth elements are essential components in permanent magnets, electric vehicle technologies, renewable energy equipment and various advanced electronic systems.

Developing these resources could help Gabon establish a stronger presence in international supply chains for strategic industrial materials.

It could also attract additional investment into mineral processing, engineering, infrastructure development and associated industrial services.

Employment and economic opportunities

The promoters have highlighted the potential for significant employment creation, with approximately 2,000 direct jobs cited in project information, alongside several thousand indirect employment opportunities. Other recent reports have put the direct employment ambition above 2,500, suggesting that the final figures still require clarification. dusk-uae.ae +1

For local communities, the development could create opportunities in construction, transportation, equipment maintenance, industrial operations and technical services.

However, the long-term economic benefits will depend on how effectively local workers and businesses participate in the project. Training programmes, technology transfers and partnerships with Gabonese suppliers will be important to ensuring that the investment generates lasting domestic benefits.

Infrastructure and financing remain major challenges

Despite the ambitious investment target, the project will require substantial supporting infrastructure.

Mining and mineral processing operations need reliable electricity, water supplies, transportation networks, chemical processing facilities and suitable export infrastructure. The developer has previously identified the location of the hydrometallurgical plant, port facilities and the management of industrial residues as important considerations in the project’s development. BiFinances +1

Securing the proposed $2 billion investment and translating the development plans into binding financing and construction commitments will therefore be essential.

The environmental implications of large-scale mineral processing will also require careful attention, particularly in relation to industrial waste, water management and the protection of surrounding ecosystems.

Gabon seeks to strengthen its position in the critical minerals industry

The revival of Mabounié forms part of Gabon’s broader ambition to diversify its economy and expand domestic industrial capacity.

For years, the country’s economy has relied heavily on natural resource exports. Developing an integrated mining and processing industry could create new revenue streams while strengthening the country’s position in international mineral markets.

The proposed partnership involving Dusk Gabon and ENFI represents an important development in that strategy. Nevertheless, the project’s success will ultimately depend on financing arrangements, technical execution, infrastructure development and the ability to begin commercial operations.

With construction targeted for 2027, Mabounié is approaching an important stage in its development. If the investment materialises as planned, the project could become a significant contributor to Gabon’s mining industry and its ambitions to become a regional centre for strategic mineral processing.