Mauritania's Minister of Mines and Industry, Abdoulaye Di Ould Zeine, has wrapped up a two-day visit to the Tazizt gold mine, operated by Kinross Tazizt Mauritanie Limitée (TMLSA). The visit, which took place on October 22-23, aimed to assess the mine's operations and safety protocols. The minister was accompanied by local authorities, including the Governor of Inchiri and the President of the Regional Council.
During the visit, the minister and his delegation toured the mine's main operational facilities, including infrastructure dedicated to worker health, safety, and welfare. They also visited a 34-megawatt solar power plant that began operations in 2024 as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in electricity production. The solar plant is a key component of the mine's strategy to minimize its environmental footprint.
The Tazizt mine, which has been in operation since 2010, has created over 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for Mauritanians. The mine's operator, Kinross Tazizt Mauritanie Limitée, has paid a total of $1.7 billion to the Mauritanian state between 2010 and 2025. Additionally, the company has allocated over $3.3 billion for local procurement and invested more than $28 million in sustainable community development programs.
The visit provided an opportunity for the minister to engage with mine officials and reaffirm the company's commitment to responsible mining practices. The mine's management expressed their pride in hosting the minister and showcasing their safety and environmental protocols. The company has emphasized its dedication to continuing dialogue with local authorities to support employment, local content, and community development.
In a statement, the company's Vice President for External Relations in Mauritania, Bab Salihi, highlighted the significance of the visit in demonstrating the company's commitment to its social and environmental responsibilities. The minister, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with the professionalism of Mauritanian employees and the quality of infrastructure at the mine.
The Tazizt mine is a significant contributor to Mauritania's economy, and the government has expressed its appreciation for the mine's role in promoting economic development. The mine's management has pledged to continue working closely with local authorities to ensure that its operations are conducted in a safe and responsible manner.
The visit concluded with a commitment from both parties to strengthen collaboration and promote sustainable development in the region. The mine's investment in local communities and its contribution to the national economy are expected to continue in the coming years.
Key points
- The Tazizt mine has created over 4,000 job opportunities for Mauritanians and has paid $1.7 billion to the state between 2010 and 2025.
- The mine's operator has invested over $28 million in sustainable community development programs.
- The mine's solar power plant has a capacity of 34 megawatts and began operations in 2024.
