Mining contributed 24% to Mauritania’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022, driven by gold and iron ore extraction. Despite the performance, reported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), most of the country’s mineral wealth remains untapped.

Mauritania secured World Bank approval for its DREAM project on March 27, 2025. This initiative will focus on renewable energy, green hydrogen development, and improving the country’s ability to assess and exploit its mineral resources. 

Geological studies are part of the program, though details about specific minerals remain limited. If successful, the project could further diversify Mauritania’s mining industry.

According to the AfDB, gold and iron ore dominate Mauritania’s mining sector, but untapped reserves offer significant potential. However, Mauritania has great potential and key mineral assets, including uranium, which the country should start commercially producing in 2027, through the Tiris project run by the Australian company Aura Energy. 

The Mauritanian Ministry of Mines estimates the country houses 100 million pounds of uranium, 6 billion tonnes of gypsum, and 250 million tonnes of phosphate.  There are also copper, diamond, chromium, zinc, rare earths, and silver reserves.

Geological studies provide initial estimates but are only a preliminary step. Strong investment policies and regulatory frameworks are a must to attract investors and fully develop these resources. Without these measures, Mauritania might underutilize its mineral wealth.

This article was initially published in French by Aurel Sèdjro Houenou (intern)

Edited in English by Ola Schad Akinocho