UAE and Chinese Firms Propose $2B Gabon Niobium Project for 2027 Start

Gabon is planning to revive its long-delayed Mabounié niobium and rare-earths project through a proposed $2 billion investment involving Emirati-backed New Energy Metals and China ENFI Engineering Corporation. A technical study was presented to Gabon's President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his official visit to Beijing. The project targets a 2027 construction start and is expected to generate over 2,500 direct jobs alongside domestic processing facilities.

Published November 15, 2026 Source: Energy News Network

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Gabon is seeking to advance the development of its Mabounié niobium and rare-earth deposit through a $2 billion proposed project backed by UAE-based investor New Energy Metals and Chinese state-owned engineering contractor China ENFI Engineering Corporation.

According to an official statement from Gabon's presidency, New Energy Metals and its local subsidiary Dusk Gabon presented a technical study for the initiative to President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema during his visit to Beijing.

If implemented, construction of the complex is scheduled to commence in 2027. The project outline includes the construction of in-country mineral processing facilities and is anticipated to create more than 2,500 direct jobs in the Central African country.

Mabounié is situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Libreville and contains substantial deposits of niobium and rare earth elements that have undergone exploration for years without entering commercial production.

The presidential statement noted that specific project financing arrangements and the detailed breakdown of operational roles between New Energy Metals and ENFI have not yet been disclosed.