Gabon’s Mabounié critical minerals project has reached a new development stage after its operator, DUSK, submitted an updated feasibility study to the government, outlining a planned investment of more than $2 billion in mining and local processing facilities.
The study was submitted on November 10 by DUSK, a Gabonese subsidiary of UAE-based New Energy Metals, following technical work involving international engineering companies, the company announced.
The project is based on the polymetallic Mabounié deposit in Gabon’s Moyen-Ogooué province. At full capacity, the proposed development is expected to produce approximately 16,000 tonnes of niobium annually, alongside other critical minerals.
The development plan includes a mine, processing facilities, river logistics infrastructure and port facilities. The company estimates that the project could generate more than 2,000 jobs while supporting local suppliers and technical training for Gabonese workers.
The updated study was prepared with support from engineering and technology companies, including Hatch, SRK Consulting and China ENFI Engineering Corporation. The proposed processing facilities are designed to refine niobium, tantalum, titanium and other mineral resources within Gabon.
Gabon is seeking to increase domestic processing of mineral resources and reduce its dependence on raw material exports. The Mabounié development forms part of broader efforts to diversify the economy beyond oil.
The proposed investment remains subject to the government's assessment of the submitted study and further project development decisions. If implemented, the project could expand Gabon's role in supplying critical minerals to international markets while increasing the contribution of its mining sector to the domestic economy.
