France, June 2 -- French mining group Eramet has pledged to safeguard over 10,000 jobs in Gabon as Libreville pushes forward with a plan to ban raw manganese exports from 2029.

The move, led by President Brice Oligui Nguema, was announced at the weekend as part of a broader national strategy to industrialise Gabon's economy and add more value to its abundant natural resources.

Eramet, the main shareholder in Comilog - Gabon's leading manganese mining firm - said it has acknowledged the government's decision and will continue to engage with officials "in a spirit of constructive partnership and mutual respect".

The French firm also committed to preserving the 10,460 local jobs sustained by Comilog and its transport arm, Setrag.

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