Gabon: Ivindo Iron outlines community development plan in Makokou

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Ivindo Iron, the company responsible for developing the Belinga iron ore deposit, has unveiled its social action plan aimed at supporting local communities affected by the mining project.

The initiative was presented on 25 July 2025 in Makokou, with Gabonese officials and community representatives in attendance.

“Today, Ivindo Iron presented to local communities all the progress made over the past 12 months.

It also outlined the prospects for supporting local populations,” said Gilles Nembe, Gabon’s Minister of Mines, during an interview with Gabon 1ère.

The company’s plan focuses on several key areas, including improving access to education for children, training young people for careers in the mining sector, creating job opportunities, and boosting local agriculture.

These initiatives are designed to ensure that communities surrounding the Belinga deposit benefit directly from the project’s development.

Among the measures highlighted, Nembe praised the partnerships forged between Ivindo Iron and the Gabonese Institute for Development Support (IGAD). He also commended the acquisition of agricultural processing mills, which are expected to enhance local farmers’ productivity and income.

Through this comprehensive action plan, Ivindo Iron aims to promote inclusive growth by integrating local populations as key stakeholders in the Belinga mining project.

Officials emphasized that while the commitments mark a significant step forward, the challenge now lies in turning these pledges into concrete, lasting improvements for the communities involved.

The Belinga iron ore project, one of Gabon’s most significant mining ventures, has drawn attention not only for its economic potential but also for its social impact. With the unveiling of this plan, expectations are high that the benefits will extend beyond mining revenues, fostering long-term development in the Makokou region.