Gabon

The mining history of Gabon is relatively new, with the first industrial mining activity starting in the late 1930s. Gabon is known to have significant mineral deposits, including manganese, uranium, and iron ore. Manganese, in particular, plays a significant role in the country's economy. In 2019, Gabon was the world's third-largest producer of manganese, with an output of around 3.4 million tonnes.

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The Gabonese government has taken steps to encourage foreign investments in the mining sector. In 2015, a new mining code was introduced to attract mining companies to explore and invest in the country. Gabon has also established a national mining company, Société Equatoriale des Mines (SEM), to promote the development of its resources. Despite these initiatives, the mining sector in Gabon still faces challenges, such as unreliable infrastructure, lack of skilled labor, and fluctuating commodity prices, which have affected the industry's growth and development.