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Gabon iron ore mining expansion and Belinga development

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2026-09-29 10:24 UTC → 2026-10-02 23:10 UTC · added removed

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. Local authorities have visited the site to monitor progress and its potential to create regional industrial ecosystems. 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 recently took place in Libreville between the Gabonese government and Fortescue Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest. The meeting included a delegation of over forty international partners from nations such as Switzerland, Belgium, China, Forrest have focused on ensuring the United States, and Australia. Fortescue has already invested more than 250 billion CFA francs into exploration, feasibility studies, project is “robust, legally clear, and initial infrastructure. 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. During talks, Gabonese officials emphasized To strengthen its territorial presence near the necessity Belinga deposit, Fortescue Belinga has officially commenced construction of a partnership that balances international industrial capacity with national strategic interests, seeking a model that is “robust, legally clear, and politically sustainable” 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 ensure alignment with national establish physical, long-term headquarters within operational zones to demonstrate economic transformation goals. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-02 23:10 UTC Gabon iron ore mining expansion and Belinga development
  2. 2026-09-29 10:24 UTC Gabon iron ore mining expansion and Belinga development
  3. 2026-09-25 10:01 UTC Gabon iron ore mining expansion

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