Mauritania Urgently Needs to Open the Door to Mining Industry

According to MiningNews.net, Mauritania, sandwiched between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, is not typically considered a top mining destination. However, this perception needs to change if the transition to clean energy is to be achieved, said Sidi Mohamed Kaem, president of the country's gold industry association (FENOR).

Earlier this month, Kaem expressed this view at a mining conference held in Dubai. Mauritania, renowned for its mining history, is now slowly opening up.

Geological Background

Kaem believes that the complex geological background makes Mauritania one of the most promising exploration targets on the African continent.

Kaem pointed out that some areas in the country have ultramafic rocks with nickel grades as high as 5%, and over 140 lithium-bearing pegmatites have been discovered in the Adam Bisenein and Legchewat regions.

In addition, economically viable copper-nickel deposits can also be found in the Mauritanides Range, where 60,000 mt of black sand (zircon, ilmenite, and titanium) were mined in 2024.

Signs of rare earth element enrichment have also been observed in bastnaesite veins and other rocks.

Worth the Risk

In a brief interview on the sidelines of the conference, Kaem stated that Mauritania offers a unique opportunity for those interested in exploration.

"Our goal is not just to mine. We are opening doors to strategic partners," he said. "(Ultimately) Mauritania should not be seen as a remote country but should stand at the center of the global mineral supply chain."

Mauritania's economy already heavily relies on the mining sector, which accounts for a quarter of its GDP and 60% of its export value. However, even though exploration companies have discovered cobalt, graphite, rare earth, and platinum group metal deposits, they have not received widespread international attention.

Kaem's report showed that early exploration in areas such as Jmeilanie and Tijirit had "good sample analysis results," and black sand mining in these areas was already in large-scale production.

Mauritania's geographical location, coastal access, and relative proximity to Europe and West Africa are additional advantages.

Building Infrastructure

"Developing large-scale mining projects remains challenging for local enterprises or international partners lacking financial support," Kaem acknowledged in his speech. "Despite the significant exploration potential, the country's lack of infrastructure affects transportation and increases operating costs."

Like many developing countries, Mauritania also faces human resource challenges. ""Although Mauritania has potential, it lacks the skilled workforce required for modern mining, which will hinder its expansion,"

When asked about potential operational difficulties, Kem acknowledged that capacity building was crucial. "We hope this will serve as a lever for inclusive growth. It is very important for us,"

Desert Mining

The second issue is environmental concerns. In a region facing desertification and resource pressures, the risk of uncontrolled mining is extremely high.

"Mining has a significant impact on the environment, and sustainable management is needed while addressing community, land use, and social responsibility concerns," Kem suggested.

When asked about what sustainable mining entails, Kem stated, "We are developing frameworks and amending laws to align with international practices. However, we need to do more, especially in engaging with communities."

Currently, iron ore is Mauritania's most mature mining sector, but the boom in critical minerals has introduced new variables: new markets, new players, and adaptation to ESG standards and geopolitics.

The country's regulatory information seems to align with this shift, particularly for those willing to take risks.