Gabon has withdrawn 52 mining permits following a government audit that found failures to meet legal and regulatory requirements, marking a significant move to tighten oversight of the country’s mining industry.

The Ministry of Mines and Geological Resources announced the decision on October 19, 2026, after an audit conducted between June 29 and October 16. The ministry confirmed that the measure covers 41 exploration permits and 11 mining exploitation permits, which are being returned to the state’s public domain.

The review examined mining operators’ compliance with applicable rules and obligations. The affected permits are spread across several provinces, including Ogooué-Ivindo, Woleu-Ntem, Haut-Ogooué, Ngounié, Ogooué-Lolo, Estuaire and Nyanga.

The decision follows Gabon’s June suspension of small-scale gold-mining activities nationwide. Authorities have been seeking stronger control over mining titles, operator compliance and the management of mineral resources.

The ministry has instructed affected operators and other interested parties to contact the relevant administrative services for further information. It also warned that violations of the decision could lead to legal proceedings.

The next major question is how the state will manage the recovered mining permits. Their future allocation, the potential entry of compliant operators and the implementation of stronger oversight could influence investment and activity in Gabon’s gold-mining sector.

The government has not yet provided a complete public timetable for any future reallocation of the permits.