Since its creation in May 2020, the Maaden National Agency in Mauritania has placed health and safety at the heart of all its activities and projects, mindful of its national responsibility to protect human lives and preserve the environment, particularly in the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector.
His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, summed up the essence of this national vision by stating: “The lives and safety of citizens are more important than gold or anything else.” This principle has not remained a mere slogan, but a veritable program of action implemented daily by the Agency in the field.
In this context, the Agency’s Director General, Mr. BA Ousmane, stated: “Our current priority is to realize and translate the vision and will of the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, to supervise, organize, and modernize the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector, while applying the strictest safety and environmental protection standards.”
This commitment reflects the Agency’s determination to transform the strategic vision of the highest national authorities into concrete policies and field projects, placing the protection of human life and the environment at the center of all its interventions.
Relocation of Contaminated Tailings: An Urgent Response to Protect Communities
Among its most notable achievements is the removal of tens of thousands of tons of mercury-saturated tailings from residential areas. This initiative was implemented in response to a major health and environmental risk, as mercury is one of the most dangerous pollutants for human health and ecosystems.
Thanks to these interventions, the spread of chemical pollutants in residential areas has been significantly reduced, providing a safer environment for the population. These operations notably involved:
The city of Chami (Wilaya of Dakhlet Nouadhibou)
The city of Zouérate (Wilaya of Tiris Zemmour)
Moving treatment centers away from cities: for a healthier environment and protected communities
In its concern to protect public health, the Agency launched an integrated project aimed at creating and equipping treatment centers outside urban areas, in accordance with strict technical and environmental standards. The main centers include:
“Sid’Ahmed Ould Ahmed Aïda” treatment center – located in Safriyat, 200 km north of Zouérate (Wilaya of Tiris Zemour).
“Cheikh Mohamed El Mamy” treatment center – located 35 km northeast of Chami (Wilaya of Dakhlet Nouadhibou). Chagar Center – 30 km from the town of Chagar (Brakna Province).
The establishment of these three centers is part of a specific health and safety strategy, developed in collaboration with GIZ (German International Cooperation Agency), providing a comprehensive framework for managing health and environmental risks associated with artisanal and semi-industrial mining.
Awareness campaigns: local services on the ground.
The Agency’s action is not limited to processing infrastructure, but also includes the organization of awareness and prevention campaigns. Caravans have traveled to various mining sites across the country to encourage operators in the sector to comply with safety instructions and better understand the dangers of chemicals, as well as the importance of wearing personal protective equipment.
In addition, the Agency regularly distributes safety equipment to artisanal miners, particularly the most vulnerable groups: helmets, goggles, gloves, and protective boots.
Safety Fleet: Rapid and Effective Response
The Agency has established an integrated fleet dedicated to safety, including:
Equipped health centers at mining sites.
Modern ambulances for emergency transport.
Heavy equipment for rapid response and tunnel security.
Prospective Studies for the Future
With a view to preventive action, the Agency is currently conducting environmental and field studies on the new centers, with a view to identifying alternatives to chemical treatment and strengthening safety standards, thus ensuring a balance between economic activity and public health protection.
Conclusion
These efforts reflect the vision of the Maaden National Agency in Mauritania, aimed at making the artisanal and semi-industrial mining sector safe, organized, and sustainable. As His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, has reiterated: “The lives and safety of citizens are more important than gold or anything else.” »
Protection of the Human rights thus remain the Agency’s absolute priority, guided by the vision of the highest national authorities and translated into concrete achievements on the ground, reconciling economic development, preservation of human life and respect for the environment.