(Ecofin Agency) - This is good news considering the output was down in the first and second quarters. However, the government actively works to diversify the economy and reduce its reliance on these sectors, especially the oil industry.

Gabon’s extractive industry fared well in Q3 2024, with output rising 3.5%. According to the Ministry of Economy, which disclosed the information, the increase was primarily driven by manganese, marketed natural gas, and oil. Oil production rose by 3.1%, rebounding from previous challenges, including operational incidents and a tragic accident at the Becuna site operated by Franco-British Perenco. 

Mature fields performed better during the quarter under review, and new wells started production. These may have also contributed to the overall increase in output.

Manganese output grew 4.5%, driven by the performance of Compagnie minière de l'Ogooué (COMILOG), a subsidiary of France's Eramet, which extracted 2 million tonnes during the period. Additionally, marketed natural gas production rose by 3.7% following technical challenges related to upgrading gas transport infrastructure. 

Gabon’s authorities said they intend to sustain the upward dynamic and achieve even greater returns in the coming months.