Overview of the Extractive Industries

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 was admitted as an EITI Candidate Country on 27 September 2007.

7 March 2010 Mauritania applied to extend their deadline for completing EITI Validation. The EITI Board agreed to grant Mauritania an extension. Peter Eigen sent a letter to the Prime Minister conveying the Board's decision. Mauritania has until 9 September 2010 to submit a final Validation report to the EITI Board.

The validation process started in January 2010. A draft validation report was submitted to the EITI Board in June 2010.

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 and its second report in July 2007. Due to the political situation and the ongoing sanctions, the EITI process in Mauritania met challenges from early 2008 to summer 2009. The process was relaunched in october 2009. Work on the third report is due to start in March 2010.

Governance of EITI implementation

The new National Committee (Comité National) formed in November 2009 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 30 members, of which 8 representatives from the administration, 8 from the industry and 14 from civil society. Mr Sidi Ould Zeïne is the President of this Committee and serves as its focal point. He was also elected as Alternate to the EITI International Board.

EITI Focal Point

Mr Sidi Ould Zeïne
President of the National Committee
Email: Szeine [at] primature [dot] gove [dot] mr

Companies operating*

Oil & gas companies: BG Group*, CNPC (China), Petronas, Tullow Oil, TOTAL*, Repsol*, Roc Oil

Mining companies: First Quantum Minerals, Red Back Mining
* EITI Supporting Company

* Note: Company list based on EITI research and is not conclusive

Further information about the status of EITI implementation in Mauritania can be provided by Regional Director Marie-Ange Kalenga at the EITI International Secretariat.