On September 26, 2026, Fortescue and 11 of its industry partners met with the Gabonese government to discuss their expertise and strategies for the Belinga iron ore project. The meeting, attended by Vice President Hermann Immongault, aimed to ensure the project's success. Fortescue's CEO, Andrew Forrest, highlighted the company's plans to implement adapted electric transmission systems for mining operations, including truck motorization and wireless distributed power control for heavy rail freight.
Fortescue will provide green energy solutions and micro-grid systems, including battery energy storage systems (BESS), which can be used off-grid or to stabilize the electrical network. The company's expertise will support the project's infrastructure development. In addition, the Chinese consortium CCECC, with experience in Africa, presented three key recommendations to the government. They emphasized the need for systemic planning, integrating mining, rail, and port infrastructure.
CCECC's director stressed that the project's success relies on rapid decision-making, efficient approval procedures, and the government's ability to accompany the project. The consortium suggested creating a dedicated organization to accelerate decision-making and approval processes. Furthermore, CCECC highlighted the importance of social responsibility during the construction phase, advocating for good relations with local communities to ensure a harmonious social climate.
Other consortium members, such as CRRC, Progress Rail, and Jan De Nul, shared their expertise and experience in providing solutions for similar projects in Africa. CRRC has already supplied 10,000 wagons in Guinea for a similar project, including maintenance. Progress Rail offered customized solutions for locomotives and a program to enhance local skills. Jan De Nul proposed its services for the development of the Kobé-Kobé port.
Additional companies, including Wabtec, Liebherr Mining, Yaogang, ZELC, XCMG, SANY, and CHMC, as well as British and French experts in environmental technologies and legal affairs, also presented their contributions to the project. These stakeholders expressed their commitment to collaborating with all parties involved to make the Belinga project a global reference in terms of safety, environmental sustainability, and speed.
The Belinga iron ore project is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. The project's success will depend on the effective collaboration of all stakeholders, including the government, industry partners, and local communities. By sharing their expertise and experience, Fortescue and its partners aim to ensure the project's success and create a positive impact on the region.
The project's focus on social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure development aligns with the Gabonese government's goals for economic growth and development. As the project moves forward, it is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic activity, and contribute to the country's growth. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to address challenges and ensure the project's success.
Key points
- Fortescue and its partners are committed to providing expertise and solutions for the Belinga iron ore project, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and social responsibility.
- The project's success relies on effective collaboration between stakeholders, including the government, industry partners, and local communities.
- The Belinga project aims to be a global reference in terms of safety, environmental sustainability, and speed, with a focus on creating a positive impact on the region.
