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Belinga Iron Ore Project

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Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)

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The Belinga Iron Ore Project, located in the Ogooué-Ivindo province, is regarded as one of the world's largest untapped deposits of high-grade iron ore. Discovered as early as 1955, the site's exploitation was delayed for decades due to immense logistical challenges within the dense tropical rainforest region. Estimates suggest reserves exceeding one billion tons of ore, with an iron content surpassing 60 percent. In 2022, the Gabonese government signed an agreement with the Australian firm Fortescue Metals Group to fast-track development and extraction. The project necessitates the construction of a new railway line and a deep-water port to export the massive volumes of ore. Ecologically, the project is sensitive due to its proximity to the Ivindo National Park, requiring stringent environmental safeguards. For Gabon, Belinga is a cornerstone for economic diversification away from the dominant oil sector.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jul, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252424242424232424
Rain mm6296185158156834783181249203120

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
This massive iron ore deposit in northeastern Gabon is one of the largest untapped resources globally. For the region, it represents a future driver of economic development and mining exports, though extraction has not yet begun.
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Visiting
The site is a restricted mining concession with no public access for safety reasons. Visitors cannot enter the project area and must observe it from a safe distance if possible.
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Where to view it
The best public viewpoints are along the main roads that pass near the concession boundaries. Alternatively, low hills in the surrounding savanna may offer distant views of the cleared survey areas.
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Local products
There are no local products directly from the mine at this stage. However, travellers in northeastern Gabon may find small markets selling locally grown cassava, plantains, and wild fruit.
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Active season
The project is currently in a pre-development phase with no active mining taking place. Activity will likely be highest during future construction and extraction phases, but no schedule is available.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the nearby Ivindo National Park for its waterfalls and rainforest. The remote town of Makokou also serves as a base for exploring the region's natural attractions.

Geography

Coordinates
1.10000, 13.20000

Facts

  • Reserves estimated at over 1 billion tons
  • Iron content of the ore is above 60%
  • Initial discovery of the deposit in 1955
  • Partnership with Fortescue Metals Group (Australia)
  • Located in the northeastern Ogooué-Ivindo province
  • Requires a railway extension of approximately 400 km

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mount BerongouMount Berongou43 km · WExplore →
Minkébé RainforestMinkébé Rainforest49 km · SEExplore →
Mount BengouéMount Bengoué49 km · NWExplore →
OvanOvan56 km · SWExplore →
Mount NgouadiMount Ngouadi60 km · NEExplore →
Mount NabembaMount Nabemba63 km · EExplore →
MakokouMakokou69 km · SWExplore →
MékamboMékambo82 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is mined at Belinga?
Belinga is a massive iron ore deposit, one of the largest untapped fields in the world.
Where exactly is Belinga located?
In northeast Gabon, in the Ogooué-Ivindo province, in a very remote area.
When is the mine expected to be fully operational?
After long delays, the project is currently in an active exploration and early mining phase.
Is there a railway connection?
An extension of the Transgabonais railway is planned to transport the ore to the port.
Which companies are involved?
Currently, the project is primarily led by the Australian group Fortescue.
Belinga Iron Ore Project: where is it located?
Belinga Iron Ore Project is located in Gabon.
Belinga Iron Ore Project: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Jul, Aug.
Belinga Iron Ore Project: why is it worth visiting?
The Belinga Iron Ore Project, located in the Ogooué-Ivindo province, is regarded as one of the world's largest untapped deposits of high-grade iron ore.
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Nearby cities

Makokou — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Makokou
The capital of the Ogooué-Ivindo province and gateway to the Ivindo National Park.
Mékambo — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Mékambo
A remote town in the northeast, known for its pristine nature.
Booué — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Booué
A town on the Ogooué River and an important stop on the Transgabon Railway.
Ovan — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Ovan
A settlement on the edge of the Ivindo National Park.

History & landmarks

Ivindo National Park — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Ivindo National Park
Ivindo National Park captivates with the spectacular Kongou Falls and dense, untouched rainforest.
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Lopé National Park
Lopé National Park offers a unique mix of savanna and rainforest, ideal for gorilla tracking.

Nature

Ivindo River — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Ivindo River
A major tributary of the Ogooué, famous for its spectacular waterfalls.
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Kongou Falls
Impressive waterfalls on the Ivindo River, surrounded by dense rainforest.

More places

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Belinga Elephant Region
The dense forests around Belinga host one of the most significant populations of forest elephants in Central Africa.
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Belinga Mountains
Mountains in the northeast, known for their vast iron ore deposits and forests.
Minkébé Inselbergs — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Minkébé Inselbergs
Isolated granite mountains that rise like islands from the dense rainforest canopy.
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Mount Bengoué
The highest mountain in Gabon, reaching approximately 1,070 meters, located in the northeast.
Mwagna Wilderness — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Mwagna Wilderness
A remote wilderness area in eastern Gabon, providing pristine habitats for lowland gorillas and forest elephants.
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Ivindo Hippo Pools
Quiet stretches of the Ivindo River where large groups of hippos spend the day.
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Langoué Baï
A natural forest clearing in Ivindo National Park, famous for its high concentration of forest elephants and gorillas.
Ancient Iron Smelting Sites — Belinga Iron Ore Project (Gabon)
Ancient Iron Smelting Sites
Archaeological sites on the Ogooué River proving early ironworking techniques in Central Africa.