Mining market in Mauritania

Mauritania is endowed with significant mineral resources and its mining sector plays a leading role in its economy. Thanks to its enticing mining law and the reforms initiated by the state, Mauritania is attractive to foreign operators and several deposits have since been discovered. The country currently produces iron ore, gold, copper and gypsum. Projects under development involve:

• rare earths
• phosphates
• lead
• zinc
• platinum
• chromium
• manganese
• vanadium
• uranium
• peat
• industrial minerals

Key opportunities for Canadian mining suppliers

Mineral processing

Mauritanian mining companies continue their investment and development strategies. Canadian companies could get involved in project engineering, (processing and enhancement), industrial engineering, and hydrometallurgy for gold. Two main projects are of particular interest:

• the Tasiast expansion project announced in 2020, for which Kinross secured US$300 million from the World Bank
• the National Industrial and Mining Company (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière [SNIM])’s expansion and modernization program to increase production from 25 million to 40 million tonnes. SNIM is the country’s largest company and the second-largest iron ore producer in Africa.

Environmental studies and sustainable development

The environmental standards applied to the mining activity in Mauritania are subject to legal and regulatory provisions supported by the framework environmental law and its regulations. Canadian companies could get involved in the following green mining projects:

• environmental impact studies
• rehabilitation of mining sites
• implementation of solar- and wind-power projects
• water treatment and reusing of wastewater

Mine site construction

In 2023 and 2024, new mines for rare earths, phosphates, lead, zinc and uranium are expected to open. Canadian companies could find opportunities for engineering services and mine construction.

Notable challenges for Canadian mining suppliers in Mauritania

The overall investment climate in Mauritania remains challenging due to the country’s relatively weak institutions. Mining sites are often located in remote areas that have issues such as:

• lack of infrastructure
• scarcity of water resources
• lack of access to the energy network

Mauritania business landscape

Mauritania is undergoing a political transition. For the first time in Mauritania’s history, an election in 2019 determined who would be the head of state.

Canada and Mauritania are in discussions on a bilateral foreign investment promotion and protection agreement.

Request a meeting

To learn more about the mining industry in Mauritania, contact Zouhair Kanouni (Zouhair.Kanouni@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner, at the Embassy of Canada to Morocco.