Recent Reforms of the Mining Code and Model Mining Convention In Mauritania

Originally published May 22, 2012

Keywords: mining code, new model mining convention, Mauritania

The mining income contributes to more than a quarter of Mauritania's gross domestic product and mining is generally seen as a strategic asset in the country's long-term growth strategy. While Mauritania remains attractive for mining investors, recent reforms have had a significant impact on the tax and legal framework applicable to the mining sector.

Two laws recently adopted by the Mauritanian Parliament¹ should in particular be noted by mining investors: (i) the law n°2012-012 dated 12 February 2012 regulating mining conventions and approving the model mining convention (the "New Model Mining Convention Law") and (ii) the law n°2012-014 dated 22 February 2012 amending the Mauritanian mining code (the "Mining Code Amendment").