Progress on the ground
Since the project was taken over in 2025, DUSK has launched an extensive programme of technical studies and field work in Gabon.
Field work
Field work in Gabon
Site investigations
Topographic, geotechnical and bathymetric surveys at Mabounié, along the river and at Ozouri.
Rehabilitation of the Mabounié site
Camp renovated and new power generation installed.
Access and infrastructure
Tracks made safe, landing stage and targeted dredging.
Environment and social
Surveys and meetings with local populations.
Pilot testing
Confirming the process
The process is being confirmed through a programme of pilot tests carried out by specialised laboratories in Canada and China, building on the pilot plants operated in France in the past.
Our partners
Around twenty international partners
The project is supported by around twenty international engineering firms, consultants, laboratories and technical institutes, coordinated by the DUSK teams. They include:
| Field | Partners |
|---|---|
| Engineering and process | China ENFI Engineering Corporation (ENFI), Hatch |
| Mining and geology | SRK Consulting |
| Tailings | Mecater |
| River logistics and port | CCCC First Harbor Engineering Company |
| Laboratory and pilot testing | SGS (Canada), GDAS and Fuzhou University (China) |
| Environment and social | Environmental and social consortium; ESS, TERA, INSUCO |
Next steps
Towards the investment decision
The coming phases will complete pilot testing, engineering and the environmental and social impact studies, in close cooperation with the Gabonese authorities, as the project prepares for its investment decision.
The main phases ahead are shown below, with the ramp-up of production planned from 2030.
Indicative schedule. Production ramp-up planned from 2030.
2027–2028
Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS)
Completion of pilot testing, detailed engineering and the environmental and social impact studies, leading to the investment decision.
From late 2027
Early works
Site preparation, access, camp and enabling infrastructure at Mabounié and Ozouri.
From 2028
Execution
From the investment decision in 2028: construction of the mine and concentrator, the river logistics, the port and the Ozouri metallurgical plants.
End 2029
First mine production
Start of mining at Mabounié and first concentrate shipments to Ozouri.
2030
Ramp-up
Progressive ramp-up of the mine and plants towards full capacity from 2030.