Mauritania’s Minister of Mines and Industry, Eddi Ould Zeine, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening governance in the mining sector, stressing that mining permits are meant for resource exploitation and value creation rather than speculation or monopolies.
Speaking at a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, Ould Zeine said the recent cancellation of an exploration permit and the approval of a new mining permit were in line with laws governing the sector and aimed at ensuring the efficient use of the country’s mineral resources while encouraging credible investors.
He said the ministry is implementing reforms to better regulate the sector and make it more attractive to investment as Mauritania seeks to strengthen its position in the global minerals market amid rising demand for strategic minerals and rare earth elements.
The minister added that the framework agreement signed with the United States on cooperation in critical minerals would boost exploration, processing and local value addition, increasing the economic benefits derived from Mauritania’s mineral resources.
On the industrial sector, Ould Zeine said the Government’s compliance campaign for factories and industrial facilities is intended to align businesses with new legislation, improve production standards and enhance the competitiveness of local industries.
He also announced plans to simplify investment procedures through the establishment of a one-stop shop to speed up the issuance of permits and the regularization of legal requirements for investors.
