Since its creation, the National Agency for the Protection of Minorities in Mauritania has placed research and scientific studies at the heart of its priorities, convinced that any serious approach to organizing the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector must be based on precise scientific knowledge and reliable technical data to serve as a reference for production and exploitation operations.
With this in mind, and to ensure that major strategic decisions are based on solid foundations, the Agency has prioritized the conduct of several in-depth studies. These have been a key pillar in the sector’s reform process, while also constituting a rich source of knowledge, providing stakeholders with a clearer vision of the reality and prospects of artisanal and semi-industrial mining in Mauritania.
The National Health, Safety, and Environment Strategy
The first of these studies consisted of developing the National Health, Safety, and Environment Strategy, in partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). This strategy responded to a pressing need, dictated by the growing risks to which artisanal miners are exposed on mining sites, whether from workplace accidents, the impact of chemicals used in processing, or the direct effects on the environment, vegetation cover, and water resources.
This study was not limited to identifying and describing risks; it also defined clear standards and practical prevention measures, proposing a national training and awareness plan aimed at disseminating a culture of safety and environmental awareness among stakeholders and workers in the sector.
The Mineral Potential Assessment Study in Authorized Zones
The second study focused on the assessment of mineral potential in authorized zones, carried out in partnership with the National Agency for Geological Research and Mining Heritage. This study marked a major turning point, providing, for the first time, a precise scientific database on mineral deposits in areas dedicated to the artisanal and semi-industrial sector.
It was based on advanced geological and technical surveys, including soil and rock samples analyzed in specialized laboratories to determine precious metal content, particularly gold.
The results of this study enabled the development of an updated geological map covering the Maaden Mauritania intervention areas, thus providing both the Agency and investors with a scientific reference to determine the economic profitability of each area and facilitating the implementation of more rational and efficient exploitation plans.
Study on the production chain and profitability of gold panning
In another dimension, the comprehensive study on the production chain and profitability of gold panning shed light on the economic structure of this activity, from its upstream to its downstream stages. The study followed the value chain from extraction operations, using rudimentary tools and equipment, to traditional or semi-industrial processing, and finally the marketing and sales stages.
During this follow-up, the study conducted a detailed economic analysis of the direct and indirect costs incurred by gold miners, from equipment and fuel costs, to labor, to expenses for chemicals and related services. At the same time, it examined the profitability levels and revenue generated by this activity, both individually and collectively.
The study concluded that gold panning does indeed represent a considerable economic resource, but remains subject to significant fluctuations due to the low efficiency of mining processes and the lack of modern processing equipment, resulting in significant gold losses throughout the production process. On this basis, it formulated a series of recommendations aimed at improving production methods and increasing profitability, benefiting the national economy and gold miners’ incomes.
Study on the classification strategy for the artisanal and semi-industrial sector
The fourth study concerned the classification strategy for the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector, an essential step in the sector’s organization process. It established precise criteria to distinguish between simple artisanal gold panning and semi-industrial mining.
This classification was based on several indicators, such as the volume of investments, the type of equipment and technical resources used, production capacity, and the level of environmental impact.
The study thus provided an objective framework that can serve as a basis for developing laws and regulations, as well as for adapting control and administrative supervision procedures according to the nature of each category of activity. It therefore laid the foundations for a better distribution of roles and greater equity between stakeholders, while strengthening transparency and oversight, and preparing for more far-reaching structural reforms.
Conclusion
These studies, taken as a whole, constitute valuable scientific and operational capital for the National Agency Maaden Mauritania. They reflect a new approach that makes knowledge the foundation of the organization, and scientific planning an instrument ensuring sustainability and sound resource management.
They did not limit themselves to simply diagnosing the reality and describing the challenges, but also proposed practical solutions and clear, implementable recommendations, paving the way for the transformation of the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector from a traditional and spontaneous activity into a genuine economic lever contributing to national development.
In this way, the Agency is realizing on the ground the vision of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, aimed at modernizing and developing the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector, strengthening its profitability, and establishing safety and sustainability standards throughout the country.