# Gabon iron ore mining expansion and Belinga development

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gabon-iron-ore-mining-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-02T12:16:34.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 4.

Gabon is advancing its iron ore mining sector as part of a broader strategy for economic diversification. In the Nyanga province, the Milingui iron project is moving into its operational phase, with plans to ship the first raw ore cargo by the end of 2026.

Concurrently, the Belinga project is undergoing significant intensification. Fortescue Belinga has doubled its drilling capacity from five to ten rigs, aiming to complete 375,000 meters of drilling across the Belinga, Batouala, and Boka Boka zones. To support this, Fortescue has extended its contract with Capital Limited. This expansion is expected to increase the project’s workforce from approximately 1,250—of whom over 83% are Gabonese nationals—to 1,450, while creating opportunities for local suppliers and subcontractors.

High-level discussions in Libreville between the Gabonese government and Fortescue Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest have focused on ensuring the project is “robust, legally clear, and politically sustainable.” The integrated Belinga project is intended to encompass the construction of a heavy-duty railway line, a deep-water port, and structural energy solutions.

To strengthen its territorial presence near the Belinga deposit, Fortescue Belinga has officially commenced construction of its provincial headquarters in Makokou, located in the Ogooué-Ivindo province. This move follows directives from President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema for major companies to establish physical, long-term headquarters within operational zones to demonstrate economic commitment. Additionally, Fortescue Belinga has invested nearly 2.5 billion CFA francs into community projects as of June 2026, including vocational training and support for local entrepreneurs.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Fortescue Belinga begins construction of provincial headquarters in Makokou

Fortescue Belinga has broken ground on its new provincial headquarters in Makokou, Gabon, to support the Belinga iron ore project and strengthen local economic and community ties.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fortescue-belinga-begins-construction-of-provincial-headquarters-in-makokou

### 2026-09-29: Fortescue and Gabon discuss Belinga iron ore project development

Fortescue and Gabonese officials met to advance the Belinga iron ore project, which involves over 250 billion CFA francs in investment for mining, rail, and port infrastructure.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fortescue-and-gabon-discuss-belinga-iron-ore-project-development

### 2026-09-24: Gabon expands iron ore mining through Milingui and Belinga projects

Gabon is scaling up its iron ore sector through the operational launch of the Milingui project and an intensified exploration program at Belinga, led by Fortescue Belinga.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gabon-expands-iron-ore-mining-through-milingui-and-belinga-projects

### 2026-08-26: Belinga mining project central to Gabon's Ogooué-Ivindo economic forum

The first Ogooué-Ivindo economic forum in Makokou, Gabon, highlighted the Belinga mining project as a key driver for national industrial transformation and economic diversification.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belinga-mining-project-central-to-gabons-ogoou-ivindo-economic-forum

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Cite as: Gabon iron ore mining expansion and Belinga development. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gabon-iron-ore-mining-expansion