The president of Gabon and Fortescue Executive Chairman Andrew Forrest reaffirmed their commitment to deliver the Belinga iron ore project and its associated infrastructure by 2030, following high level talks in Libreville, the company said on Dec. 15.
Forrest met with President Brice Oligui Nguema during a visit to Gabon, where both sides agreed to accelerate decision making on an integrated mine rail and port development covering the Belinga deposit, associated railways and the Kobe Kobe port. The project would also include green energy infrastructure, Fortescue said.
Forrest said achieving first ore on ship by 2030 would require close coordination between Fortescue and the Gabonese government. He said the two parties agreed to establish a presidential task force to allow direct engagement between project leadership and the presidency in order to streamline delivery. The timeline remains subject to a final investment decision, detailed technical studies and regulatory approvals.
Ivindo Iron chief executive Edward Kalajzic said the company was working with the government and local communities to develop Belinga in a way that protects the environment and delivers long term benefits for the Ogooue Ivindo province and Gabon more broadly.
Fortescue said drilling at Belinga has reached 160,000 meters, around eleven times the volume of all previous drilling campaigns combined. Five drilling rigs are currently operating around the clock to refine resource estimates and guide future development.
The company said environmental and social impact studies are ongoing and that project designs include mitigation measures aligned with local regulations and international standards.
Ivindo Iron said it continues to support local communities through infrastructure rehabilitation, medical donations, education support and regular stakeholder consultations. It is also implementing the We Train for Gabon program, which aims to train 50 Gabonese citizens for mining related roles. Thirty trainees have already joined the program, the company said.
Fortescue said the Belinga project is intended to supply green iron ore to support low carbon steel production in Europe and reflects a long term partnership approach based on transparency, technology and community benefit.
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