Mozambique

Candidate country

Overview of Extractive Industries

Despite the country's considerable mineral resources, the mining sector is poorly developed, owing to the long civil war during which the country was in effect closed to foreign investment-and the resulting lack of investment and available geological data. As a result, the sector operates well below potential: in 2006 it contributed just 1.6% of GDP. However, a number of large investments are now transforming the sector, which is set to assume a more prominent role in the economy. The country's key areas for export growth are believed to be in base rather than precious minerals.

Minerals that are currently being exploited include titanium, tantalum, marble, gold, coal, bauxite, granite, limestone and gemstones. There are also known deposits of pegmatite, platinoids, uranium, bentonite, iron, cobalt, chromium, nickel, copper, granite, fluorite, diatomite, emeralds, tourmaline and apatite. Mozambique has identified reserves of natural gas in commercially exploitable quantities, and further exploration is under way.

Status of EITI Implementation

Mozambique is an EITI candidate country, and has until 14 May 2011 to complete the validation process. The Government established an ‘ad-hoc' multi-stakeholder group of named representatives of the Government, companies, and civil society working together to implement the EITI in Mozambique. This Multi-Stakeholder group became the officials coordinating group of the MEITI early in 2010.