Gabon now wants to give pride of place to local processing, and may soon ban exports of raw gold. Between 2017 and 2021, the Gabonese Ministry of Mines granted 21 gold exploration permits to mining operators. The information comes from the latest EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) report

Les 21 permis de recherche d' or ont été octroyés à 15 opérateurs sur une superficie cumulée de 17 608.29 km ² , in various locations across é the country. Global Mine Development obtained 3 permits in Kango, Mitzic and Ekata in 2021, while Salor obtained 2 in Ovan-Ntsenkélé and Koumameyong-Ekarlong in Ogooué Ivindo. Also, A+ Mining obtained 1 in the town of Mitzig Nord in Woleu Ntem in the same year. Yinhe Mining obtained 3 permits in Obiga, Kouyé and Lessoka in Ogooué Ivindo in 2020, the year when Alpha Century Mining also obtained 1 in Mboumi in Moyen Ogooué. Similarly, Agil Gabon won 1 license in Onoye in Ngounie in 2017

In reality, the authorities are considering banning the export of raw or unrefined gold, in order to favor local processing, which is more beneficial for the national economy.