Moanda Mine

Moanda, Léboumbi-Leyou Department, Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon

Key Information

Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.

Moanda Mine is a major manganese mine in Gabon, Central Africa, known for high-grade ore production.
It is located in Moanda, Haut-Ogooué Province, about 45 km from Franceville, near the Republic of the Congo border.
The mine produces manganese and rhodochrosite, with reserves of 64 million tons and resources of 116 million tons.
Geological evidence suggests it formed in the Francevillian Basin, a 2.1-billion-year-old sedimentary area.
Mining began in 1951, currently operated by Eramet Comilog, producing around 7.5 million tons yearly.
The local culture is shaped by mining, with sacred sites like Mount Moanda and a museum for heritage.
The climate is tropical, with a dry season from June to September and a wet season from October to May.

Geographic Location

Moanda Mine is situated in Moanda, a town in the Haut-Ogooué Province of Gabon, in Central Africa. It lies about 45 km from Franceville, the provincial capital, and is close to the border with the Republic of the Congo. This location makes it a strategic point for trade and exploration, with nearby notable localities including Franceville and possibly Bakoumba.

Minerals Produced

The mine is primarily known for producing high-grade manganese ore, crucial for steel production. It also yields rhodochrosite, a pink to red mineral prized by collectors for its beauty. In 2000, it produced 800,000 metric tons of manganese ore, with current reserves at 64 million tons and resources at 116 million tons, highlighting its global significance.

Geological Structure

Research suggests Moanda Mine is part of the Francevillian Basin, a 2.1-billion-year-old sedimentary basin in Gabon, known for unmetamorphosed sediments. The manganese deposits are bedded, formed through sedimentary processes in shallow marine environments, likely precipitated as Mn-oxides in photic zones and later reduced to Mn-carbonates in black shales during diagenesis.

Mining History

Mining at Moanda started in 1951 after manganese deposits were discovered in 1938. It is currently operated by Eramet Comilog as an open-pit mine, producing around 7.5 million tons of manganese ore per year, with plans to increase to 10 million tons annually, underscoring its large-scale operations.

Local Culture and Characteristics

Moanda’s culture is heavily influenced by its mining industry, with a population of about 39,298 in 2010. The town features a museum and local markets for cultural exploration. Mount Moanda, a sacred sandstone rock, is a landmark with associated legends, reflecting the traditional beliefs of local tribes like the Wanzi, who consider the area sacred.

Climate and Ecology

The climate in Moanda is tropical, with a dry season from June to September and a wet season from October to May, averaging 24°C (75°F). The surrounding rainforest is rich in biodiversity, offering ecotourism opportunities, though the ancient manganese deposits are not directly influenced by current climate conditions.