Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema has held renewed discussions with Australian mining group Fortescue on launching the long-delayed Belinga iron ore project, a flagship initiative expected to reshape the country’s industrial, transport, and energy landscape.
Gabon is moving closer to unlocking one of its most strategic mining assets. On 13 January 2026, President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, Head of State and Head of Government, received a high-level delegation from the Fortescue Group, led by its founder and Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest, for talks focused on the operational launch of the Belinga iron ore project.
The meeting follows an initial round of discussions held in December 2025, signalling growing momentum around a project that has remained largely dormant for more than a decade despite its significant geological and economic potential.
Belinga: A Strategic Mining Asset
Located in north-eastern Gabon, the Belinga iron ore deposit is considered one of the country’s most promising mineral resources. Successive governments have identified the site as a potential cornerstone of Gabon’s industrialisation strategy, but the project has faced repeated delays linked to infrastructure costs, financing challenges, and shifting global market conditions.
According to the Presidency, the latest discussions centred on the modalities for launching the project, including sequencing, infrastructure development, and coordination with state authorities. The renewed engagement with Fortescue, one of the world’s leading iron ore producers, suggests a renewed effort to move from planning to execution.
Large-Scale Infrastructure at the Core of the Project
Beyond mineral extraction, the Belinga project is designed as a fully integrated industrial development. Key components under discussion include:
- The construction of a mineral railway linking the mining site to the coast
- The development of a deep-water port, capable of handling bulk iron ore exports
- Investment in structuring energy infrastructure, essential for powering mining operations and associated industrial activity
These elements underscore the scale of the project and its potential spillover effects across the Gabonese economy. If realised, the infrastructure could also benefit other sectors, including logistics, forestry, and regional trade.
Economic Diversification and Employment Objectives
Presidential officials emphasised that the Belinga project aligns closely with President Oligui Nguema’s stated priorities of economic diversification, industrial transformation, and sustainable job creation.
Gabon’s economy remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, making the development of large-scale mining projects a strategic priority as the country seeks to reduce its exposure to oil price volatility. The Belinga project is expected to create jobs not only in mining, but also in construction, transport, energy, and downstream services.
For international investors, the project is being positioned as evidence of Gabon’s willingness to support long-term, capital-intensive ventures that can anchor broader industrial ecosystems.
Fortescue’s Role and Long-Term Commitment
The Fortescue Group, headquartered in Australia, is a major global player in iron ore and has increasingly positioned itself as an investor in large-scale, long-term mining and infrastructure projects. Its presence in Gabon is already established through Ivindo Iron, its local subsidiary, which has been involved in early-stage development activities related to Belinga.
Andrew Forrest’s personal involvement in the discussions highlights the strategic importance Fortescue attaches to the project. For Libreville, partnering with a well-capitalised and internationally recognised operator is seen as critical to mitigating execution risks and ensuring adherence to international standards.
Attracting International Mining Investment
The Gabonese authorities view Belinga as a signal project capable of enhancing the overall attractiveness of the country’s mining sector. Beyond iron ore, Gabon has significant reserves of manganese, gold, and other minerals, but competition for international mining capital across Africa is intensifying.
By advancing Belinga with a credible global partner, the government aims to demonstrate its capacity to:
- Provide regulatory clarity
- Support major infrastructure development
- Facilitate public–private coordination
- Offer a stable investment environment
These factors are increasingly decisive for mining investors assessing long-term commitments in frontier markets.
The renewed high-level engagement between Gabon’s leadership and Fortescue marks a potentially decisive phase for the Belinga iron ore project. Long viewed as a symbol of untapped potential, Belinga could become a cornerstone of Gabon’s post-oil economic strategy if the proposed infrastructure and mining plans materialise.
For international observers, the coming months will be critical in determining whether political commitment can be translated into concrete timelines and investment decisions. If successful, Belinga would not only reshape Gabon’s mining sector but also reinforce the country’s position as an emerging destination for large-scale industrial investment in Central Africa.
