The long-awaited Milingui iron ore project in Gabon's Nyanga province has reached a significant milestone, with construction work now underway. Located in the Mougoutsi department, the project is being developed by Havilah Mining Gabon, a subsidiary of the Australian mining company Havilah Resources. The project aims to exploit the Milingui iron ore deposit, estimated to contain around 500 million tonnes of iron ore. According to local authorities, the project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region.

A recent visit to the site by the prefect of Mougoutsi, Patrice Mounguengui, revealed that significant progress has been made in the construction of infrastructure. The site is now home to a growing array of technical equipment, including rolling stock, which is being supplied by a temporary service station with a capacity of 20,000 liters. Two guardhouses are also under construction, one at the entrance to the site and the other approximately 30 kilometers away.

The project involves several key infrastructure components, including a major culvert on the access road to the terminal, which is being built by Chinese company COVEC. The culvert, located on the Dounou River, is nearing completion. Additionally, excavation work on the platform for a Petro Gabon service station is almost finished. The base camp, which will house various services, is being constructed on a new site, with excavation work expected to be completed within a week.

The project has been welcomed by local authorities, who see it as a major opportunity for economic development in the region. Prefect Mounguengui expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, praising the commitment of Havilah Mining Gabon to delivering on its promises. He also conveyed congratulations from the country's leaders for the high-quality work being carried out on the project.

The Milingui project is significant not only for its economic potential but also for its history. The iron ore deposit was first identified in 1958, but attempts to exploit it at that time were unsuccessful. The project has been revived through a convention signed between the Gabonese state and Havilah Mining Gabon on May 15, 2026. The project's development is expected to have a positive impact on the local population and the wider province.

Dr. Gabriel Kamga, president of the board of directors of Havilah Mining Gabon, expressed gratitude to local authorities for their support and guidance. He assured them that the company would work tirelessly to meet its commitments to the Gabonese state. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, contributing to Gabon's economic development.

The Milingui iron ore project is one of several major mining projects underway in Gabon, which is rich in mineral resources. The country's mining sector is a significant contributor to its economy, and the development of new projects like Milingui is expected to help drive growth and diversification. Key points:

Key points

  • The Milingui iron ore project has an estimated 500 million tonnes of iron ore.
  • Construction work on the project is being carried out by Havilah Mining Gabon.
  • The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Nyanga province.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.