Summary:

On 29 July 2026, the Mauritanian government announced that the board of Al-Aouj Mining Company (EMC) had made the final investment decision for the Al-Aouj iron ore concentrate project, with total investments exceeding US$2 billion. Located in the Guelb Al-Aouj area, the project is expected to produce 11.3 million tons of iron ore concentrate annually in two phases over a projected lifespan of 40 years. 

The project includes the construction of a beneficiation plant, a railway connection, and supporting mining infrastructure. Mauritania’s national mining and industry company, SNIM, which owns 92% of EMC, will finance 40% of the investment through its own resources. Authorities stated that the project is expected to create more than 1,200 direct jobs while increasing production capacity and supporting economic development. 

Outlook: 

The investment signals Mauritania’s intention to move beyond expanding extraction volumes by increasing domestic processing capacity, allowing the country to capture greater value from its iron ore resources before export.  

The decision also reflects confidence in the long-term competitiveness of Mauritania’s mining sector despite uncertain global commodity cycles, with authorities prioritizing large-scale projects capable of sustaining export revenues and reinforcing SNIM’s position as a strategic national asset. 

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