Oil

Oil production in Gabon peaked in 1997 at 18.5 million tons (MT). Production has been gradually slowing down since 1998, mainly due to the falling yield of the Rabi-Kounga site and the lack of new significant discoveries:

1997 18,5 Mt 2003 13,3 Mt

Crude oil production levels in 2004 should be close to 12 million tons.


Main oilfields in operation:

Around 30 oilfields are currently in operation, the main ones being:

• On-shore : Rabi-Kounga, Gamba/Ivanga, Echira, Coucal, Avocette
• Off-shore : Baudroie-Marine, Ablette, Roussette, Pingouin, Mérou, Lucina, Mbva, Brême

Oil continues to be a key driving force behind the Gabonese economy: 77% of the country's exports, 45% of the GDP and 60% of the state's current budgetary revenue.

Para-petroleum activities (logistics, off-shore and on-shore construction, drilling operations, maintenance, supply of specific materials) represent a significant part of Gabon's economic activity. These activities are centred around the Port-Gentil region.

Oil refining, which is carried out by SOGARA, is intended for the domestic market. 24.9% of its capital is owned by the Gabonese state. In 2004, production will be less than 7,000,000 tons.

The operators in the distribution business are private: Total, Mobil Oil, Pizo and Shell.


Manganese

1997 1,9 Mt 2000 1,7 Mt 2003 2,0 Mt

Manganese is mined by COMILOG.


Mines

COMUF (Franceville Uranium Mines Company) has had to cope with the depletion of its deposits. Since 1999, work at the uranium mines has stopped.