Overview of the Extractive Industries in Mauritania

Mauritania has significant mineral deposits, in particular iron ore. Mineral products account for over half of total export earnings, with iron ore exports contributing 15 % of GDP in 2007. Copper and gold are extracted from the Guelb Moghrein mine near Akjoujt in Inchiri 260 km northeast of the Capital. Commercial oil reserves have been found offshore, adding to the reserves at the Chinguetti oil field discovered in 2001. Oil production started in February 2006, although not with the expected yield. Still, Mauritania’s proven and probable crude oil reserves are estimated at around 600 million barrels and the sector is bound to become the major player in the economy.

Status of EITI Implementation

Mauritania is an EITI Candidate Country.

It has until 9 March 2010 to undertake validation.

On 20 September 2005 Prime Minister Sidi Mohamed Ould Boubacar stated the Government's intention to adhere to the EITI. He designated an EITI coordinator, Mohamed Ould Nany, a former Finance Minister, with counterparts in key Ministries and the Central Bank.

On 13 January 2006 the government adopted the Decree No 2006-001 establishing a National Committee responsible for the EITI in Mauritania. Members of the National Committee include representatives from all the relevant stakeholders.

On 9 May 2006, the National Committee organized an EITI workshop in Nouakchott aimed at engaging all the stakeholders involved in the EITI process. This workshop was also an opportunity to discuss the work of the future National Committee.

Mauritania released its first EITI report in March 2007.

Governance of EITI implementation in Mauritania

The National Committee (Comité National) is a multi-stakeholder group in charge of implementation and follow up of the EITI in Mauritania. It is also responsible for regular public information on the national and international levels. The Committee consists of 29 members, of which 6 representatives form the administration, 5 from the industry and 18 from civil society. Mr Sidi Ould Zeïne is the President of this Committee and Mr Bâ Papa Amadou, the Permanent Secretary and Coordinator and serves as its focal point.

EITI Focal Point

Bâ Papa Amadou
Permanent Secretary/Coordinator
National Committee of the EITI Mauritania
Tel: +222 524 30 85
Fax: +222 529 36 60
Mob: +222 631 73 96 or +222 231 73 96
E-mail: amadouba [at] mauritania [dot] mr or bpapaamadou [at] yahoo [dot] fr

EITI Documents

For EITI Reports, workplan and other documents, please refer to the EITI Mauritania website.

Further information about the status of EITI implementation in Mauritania can be provided by Policy Adviser Tim Bittiger at the EITI International Secretariat.