Gabon Proposes 20% State Share in Mining Projects as New Code Targets Manganese, Iron Ore and Rare Earths

Highlights

• Gabon's Mines Minister proposes increasing state share in mining projects from 10% to 20%, covering manganese, iron ore, gold, rare earths, and potash.
• Millennial Potash clarified the 20% proposal is preliminary production sharing, not finalized equity ownership, and a new Mining Code could take 5–12 months.
• Gabon plans to ban raw manganese exports starting January 2029, pressuring miners like Eramet and Fortescue to invest in local processing capacity.
• Existing exploration permit holders may retain their current legal framework, limiting immediate impact on active projects.