A tripartite meeting was held on November 7, 2026, in Mouila, Gabon, to discuss the future of artisanal gold miners in the district of Etéké, in the Ogoulou department. The meeting brought together local population representatives, led by Armand Omanda Ngoye, and Managem Gabon, represented by its Operations Director, Bama Barro. The discussions focused on the socio-economic consequences of industrial gold exploitation on artisanal mining activities.
The meeting was attended by the Governor of Ngounié, Francis Oyinamono. The artisanal gold miners are concerned about the impact of Managem's industrial mining activities on their livelihoods. Managem was granted a mining permit, G4-911, also known as "Or Étéké", which restricts artisanal gold miners from operating freely in the area. The miners rely on gold panning as a source of income, and the new development has raised concerns about their economic future.
Managem has expressed willingness to collaborate with the artisanal gold miners, provided they are regularly constituted on administrative and legal grounds. The company suggested that the miners could be associated with the project as subcontractors or service providers. This proposal was positively received by the representatives of the cooperatives, who are satisfied with the progress made in the discussions.
However, no definitive agreement has been announced, and further discussions are needed to define the contours of a sustainable collaboration. The meeting was an effort to address the concerns of the artisanal gold miners and find a mutually beneficial solution. The impact of industrial mining on artisanal mining activities is a pressing issue in Gabon, where many communities rely on small-scale mining as a source of income.
The Gabonese government has been working to regulate the mining sector and ensure that industrial mining activities do not negatively impact local communities. The country's mining code provides for the protection of artisanal miners and the promotion of sustainable mining practices. However, the implementation of these regulations remains a challenge, and cases like the one in Etéké highlight the need for effective collaboration between stakeholders.
The meeting in Mouila is a step towards finding a solution to the challenges faced by artisanal gold miners in Gabon. The country's gold mining sector has significant potential, and efforts to develop the sector sustainably could have a positive impact on the economy and local communities. Further discussions between Managem, the government, and the artisanal gold miners will be crucial in determining the future of gold mining in Etéké.
The outcome of the meeting will be closely watched by stakeholders in the Gabonese mining sector. A successful collaboration between Managem and the artisanal gold miners could serve as a model for sustainable mining practices in the country. The government will also be keen to ensure that the rights of local communities are protected and that the economic benefits of mining are shared equitably among stakeholders.
Key points
- Managem has expressed willingness to collaborate with artisanal gold miners in Etéké.
