The Gabonese Ministry of Mines launched, on July 16, 2026, an operation to control and regularize gold mining titles. “This initiative aims to clean up a sector considered strategic for the country’s public revenues,” said the government of this country. It is expected that all operators in the gold sector in Gabon will undergo a mandatory audit.
During this operation, companies holding exploration or exploitation permits will have to justify their administrative compliance, the reality of their work on the ground, and their financial strength. The initiative aims to “eliminate ‘dormant titles,’ these permits kept without real development.” The State estimates that this type of mining title deprives it of tax revenues.
This operation also follows the temporary suspension of artisanal gold mining. The decision was made in June 2026 after the dismantling of clandestine networks in the country. The operation initiated by the Ministry of Mines also aims to capture the financial flows of a resource still largely dominated by the informal sector. The State also wants to reaffirm its sovereignty over its mineral wealth.
At the end of this operation, companies deemed non-compliant could be sanctioned. The Ministry of Mines foresees that permits of these entities could be revoked.
Despite these noble objectives, international partners insist on transparency around this operation. They condition their long-term financial involvement on the respect of operating conditions by mining operators.
