Gabon ranks among top five global manganese reserve holders
Gabon has reaffirmed its status as a key global player in the manganese sector, with estimated reserves of 61 million tons and 4.6 million tons produced in 2024, according to the U.S. Geological Survey's 2025 report released this month.
The central African country now ranks among the top five nations with the largest manganese reserves and is the world’s second-largest producer.
Manganese, traditionally used in steel production, has become critical for the manufacture of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, where demand for high-purity manganese compounds is surging. This shift is positioning resource-rich countries like Gabon at the forefront of global supply chains, supporting both industrial and green energy transitions.
Gabon’s output, driven largely by the Compagnie Minière de l'Ogooué (Comilog), a subsidiary of French mining group Eramet, plays a significant role in global supply. The company operates the Moanda mine, one of the world’s largest sources of high-grade manganese. Despite a temporary production halt in late 2024 due to market oversupply, operations have since resumed.
The U.S. Geological Survey ranks South Africa as the leading country in manganese reserves with 560 million tonnes, followed by China (280 million tonnes), Brazil (270 million tonnes), and Australia (110 million tonnes), with Gabon rounding out the top five.
The U.S. remains a major importer of Gabonese manganese, with the West African country accounting for 63% of American imports in 2024.
