Gabon revokes mining permits after audit
The Ministry of Mines has cancelled research and exploitation permits for several companies for failing to meet legal requirements.
Gabon's Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources has revoked mining permits from multiple operators following an audit conducted between June 29 and October 16, 2026. The decision, announced on October 19, 2026, returns these permits to state control due to non-compliance with legal and regulatory standards. This action follows a June 22, 2026, suspension of small-scale gold mining activities nationwide.
The audit specifically examined adherence to Law No. 037/2018 of June 11, 2019, which governs the mining sector in Gabon. The ministry stated that controls revealed breaches of legal and regulatory requirements by several permit holders. Consequently, permits for research and exploitation across various provinces, including Ogooué-Ivindo, Woleu-Ntem, and Ngounié, have been cancelled. Affected companies include Abice Mining Gabon, Afrique Resources SA, and SMO, among others.
The Ministry of Mines urges interested parties to contact its services for further information regarding the implementation of this decision. The authorities aim to enforce the regulatory framework for mining activities and strengthen oversight of issued titles. The ministry also warned that non-compliant entities could face legal prosecution.
Why it mattersMining companies operating in Gabon are affected by the revocation of their permits due to non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.