Gabon, located on the west coast of Central Africa, is rich in natural resources and dense forests, which cover about 85% of its land.
The country is a top producer of manganese, accounting for nearly 25% of global trade in the mineral, with reserves of over 21 million metric tons. Gabon’s oil sector contributes around half of its GDP and 80% of export earnings, with reserves of 3.7 billion barrels.
The forests are home to valuable species like Okoume trees. Gabon also has deposits of gold, diamonds, and uranium, plus proven natural gas reserves of 33 billion cubic meters.
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Gabon’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are the resources that have been found in Gabon, including their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Crude Oil | Offshore and Onshore (Port-Gentil) |
| Natural Gas | Coastal and Offshore Areas |
| Manganese | Moanda, Franceville, Okondja |
| Uranium | Franceville |
| Iron Ore | Bélinga Mountains |
| Gold | Ogooué-Lolo (Lastourville), Ngounié (Mbigou), Ogooué-Ivindo (Makokou), Woleu-Ntem (Minvoul) |
| Diamonds | Mitzic, Makongonio, Nzenzélé Waka, Makokou |
| Timber | Kango, Booué, Fougamou, Ndjolé |
| Hydropower | Ogooué River |
| Agriculture | Libreville suburbs (peri-urban farming), Nyanga (palm oil), Woleu-Ntem (rubber plantations), Ogooué-Ivindo (food crops) |
Discoveries In Gabon’s Natural Resources
The discovery of oil in Gabon dates back to the mid-20th century when geological surveys were carried out to locate hydrocarbon reserves.
Offshore drilling near Port-Gentil uncovered notable oil deposits. Since the first commercial oil production began in 1957, the country has continued to develop its oil fields, with strong support from international oil companies.
Natural gas was discovered alongside oil. By 2008, proven reserves were estimated at 33 billion cubic meters. However, much of Gabon’s natural gas has been flared, though efforts are underway to use it more effectively, both domestically and for export.
Manganese deposits in Moanda were discovered in the 20th century, with the region’s geology ideal for manganese formation.
Gabon now accounts for nearly 25% of the global manganese trade, with Moanda being one of the world’s largest manganese mines. Mining activities have been ongoing since the early 1960s, with continuous expansion.
Uranium was first found in Franceville through surveys during colonial times. Although uranium mining began in the 1960s and ended in the late 1990s, there is still potential for future exploitation.
Gold and diamonds have been found in Ogooué-Lolo and Woleu-Ntem, with artisanal mining being common. Gabon’s forests, found during colonial forestry studies, cover about 85% of the land. The country produces 90% of the world’s Okoume plywood.
Viability Of Gabon’s Natural Resources
Crude oil has historically been Gabon’s main economic driver, but its future is uncertain due to declining reserves and the global change to renewable energy.
Natural gas is underused, with potential for domestic use and export. However, infrastructure limitations prevent its full development, and competition from other energy sources presents a challenge.
Despite this, the increasing demand for cleaner energy boosts its viability, especially since gas is seen as a more environmentally friendly option than oil.
Manganese is a highly viable resource due to its importance in the steel industry and the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Existing mining infrastructure supports its extraction, but stricter environmental regulations are pushing for more sustainable practices. Iron ore is abundant, but challenges with infrastructure and high logistical costs slow down large-scale extraction.
Gold and diamond mining is viable, but much of it is informal. Formalizing artisanal mining would improve both economic and environmental sustainability. Agriculture is essential for food security and exports, but infrastructure limitations delay its development.
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Export Potential Of Gabon’s Natural Resources
Gabon’s natural resources have significant export potential, pushed by global demand.
1. Crude Oil
Gabon has an estimated 3.68 billion barrels in oil reserves, making it the sixth-largest oil producer in Africa. Oil is a major contributor to the nation’s economy, accounting for 80% of its export revenue.
The primary export markets include the United States, France, and different Asian countries. Despite the decline in reserves, crude oil continues to play a part in Gabon’s economy.
2. Manganese
Gabon ranks as the third-largest global producer of manganese, with an annual output of 9.5 million metric tons in 2021. The country’s manganese exports are worth $1.52 billion, with China and Europe being key markets.
With the growing demand for manganese in electric vehicle batteries, Gabon is positioned as a key supplier in the global market.
3. Timber
Each year, Gabon produces 4 million cubic meters of logs, with the Okoumé species being the dominant export. Sawn wood exports were valued at $333 million in 2023, reaching markets in Europe and Asia.
The government has implemented a ban on whole-log exports to encourage local value-added production and make sure that more profits stay within the country.
4. Iron Ore
Gabon has notable iron ore reserves, particularly in Bélinga and Mékambo, where high-quality deposits (60–65% iron content) are found.
Infrastructure improvements are important to open the country’s export potential, particularly to steel-producing nations like China and India.
5. Natural Gas
Gabon’s proven natural gas reserves are estimated at 28.3 billion cubic meters. While most of this gas is used domestically, the development of export infrastructure could help Gabon to become a regional supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG.
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The Economic Impact Of Gabon’s Natural Resources
Gabon’s natural resources contribute greatly to the country’s GDP, employment, government revenue, and overall development.
1. Contribution To GDP
The oil sector is a major contributor to Gabon’s economy, accounting for 50% of the GDP and 80% of export revenue. However, declining oil production, which stood at 200,000 barrels per day in 2023, presents challenges to long-term growth.
With reserves of 150 million tonnes, the rising global demand for manganese, especially for electric vehicle batteries, boosts its economic value. The timber industry adds around $333 million annually through exports.
2. Employment
The oil and mining sectors provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs, especially in urban areas such as Libreville and Port-Gentil. However, unemployment remains high, with the rate at 20.36% in 2023.
Artisanal mining of gold and diamonds offers informal employment but lacks regulation and faces sustainability challenges.
The timber industry supports rural employment, but market fluctuations and environmental concerns pose ongoing challenges.
3. Government Revenue
Oil exports generate between $3 and $4 billion annually, making up the majority of Gabon’s public revenue. Mining, particularly manganese exports, is increasingly profitable due to global demand.
The government is working on sustainable forestry practices to increase timber-related income while preserving the nation’s rainforests.
4. Economic Development
Resource revenues have significantly contributed to infrastructure development, including roads, ports, and education systems, since the 1960s.
Over 80% of Gabon’s population now lives in cities like Libreville and Port-Gentil, driven by economic opportunities in resource industries.
Gabon is also focusing on a green economy transition, using its forests for carbon storage and implementing sustainable development projects under the Strategic Plan for Emergence (PSGE).