Mine governance
Mine governance encompasses all the rules, institutions and mechanisms governing the management of mineral resources. It is crucial to ensuring that operations are carried out in a responsible, transparent and beneficial manner for both national economies and local populations. Ginger SOFRECO supports public administrations and companies in the mining sector in strengthening their capacities, modernising their management tools, developing sectoral policies and establishing effective monitoring and regulatory systems.
Our sectors of work
Ginger SOFRECO is well-versed in evaluating and developing the mining sector at the state level, having worked on public interest projects led by authorities or public companies. Using our cutting-edge, multidisciplinary expertise, we implement projects aimed at strengthening governance in the sector for more transparent and efficient mining that generates sustainable economic and social benefits for countries.
Our mine governance services include:
Development of mining policies and strategies
Diagnostics and reorganisation of mining institutions
Diagnostics and strengthening of legal and regulatory frameworks
Technical assistance and geoscience services
Granting and renewal of mining titles (permitting)
Development of mining policies and strategies
We support mining administrations, national and regional organisations and public companies within the sector in the development and implementation of policies for managing the sector or its activities through the:
- Assessment of the current situation and mining sector diagnostics
- Identification of development objectives and policy frameworks
- Design of the core elements of the strategy accompanying a mining policy
- Transformation of the strategy into an action plan addressing each core element with a series of measured actions
- Definition of institutional frameworks and tools for implementing and monitoring policies and strategies
Our references in this field
Study on gold mining and its impact in the Falémé (Senegal River basin) ( 2021 - 2023 )
This study assessed the environmental and social impact of gold mining activities along the Falémé River and its area of influence between Mali and Senegal, with a particular focus on water resources and the Senegal River ecosystem.
After gathering the available data and documentation, our team selected control areas and developed a sampling plan. The socio-economic situation and technical functioning of the gold mining processes were established following numerous field visits. We studied the environment and HSE issues, as well as the legislative framework for artisanal mining activities in both countries. The analysis of the impact of gold mining on the waters and flow regime of the Falémé River was used to map chemical pollution. Our study outlined a system for monitoring gold mining pollution and a plan of priority actions to be taken to limit the impacts identified.
Competitiveness and Growth Support Project (PRACC); Revision of the mining code, tax system and related implementing decree ( 2019 - 2021 )
As part of the diagnostic and strengthening of the legal and regulatory framework for the mining sector in Niger, Ginger SOFRECO conducted a study aimed at reforming the country's mining code to modernize it and align it with international best practices. The project also included the preparation of an implementing text governing the tax regime for mining activities with a view to improving the economic benefits of these activities for the population and reducing their environmental impact. Our team, composed of a mining tax expert and a specialist in international mining legislation, carried out an assessment of the current mining legislation and regulations and was able to propose a draft mining law (Mining Code), model mining agreements, a transitional decree and an implementing decree establishing the tax regime applicable to mining activities.
Development of the common mining policy in the CEMAC zone ( 2022 - 2024 )
The project aims to develop a common mining policy (CMP) and a detailed strategic plan accompanied by an institutional framework for their implementation, based on an accurate assessment of the mining sector in the six CEMAC countries.
Our team of mining experts conducted an in-depth assessment of the six countries and carried out an analysis of the institutional, legal and economic framework, geological infrastructure, mineral processing and transformation capacities, and existing infrastructure. We defined development pillars that resulted in a strategy for achieving their 39 objectives. Our team identified a list of priority actions and the resources needed to implement them, including the institutional framework needed to ensure the success of the CMP and its strategy.
This project is expected to culminate in the adoption by key stakeholders in the CEMAC mining sector of a policy aimed at developing mining cooperation among the countries and ensuring the sustainable and efficient use of the subregion's resources.
Dedicated teams
Our team of mining specialists can assist you on a wide range of topics, thanks to their combined expertise and extensive experience. The team is based at our head office and includes experts in sedimentology, exploration geology, mine engineering, geophysics, mining law, geographic information systems (GIS) and database management. Among them is a group of geologists dedicated exclusively to mine governance and focusing specifically on the sector’s institutional, regulatory and strategic issues. Activities are coordinated by the directors of the Mine Engineering and Mine Governance departments.
Our projects also benefit from a network of high-level international experts, many of whom have been working with Ginger SOFRECO for over twenty years. This network includes specialists in mine and taxation governance, mine and environmental engineering, hydrogeology, geophysics, mining law, sociology and GIS.
MINING MANAGERS
MINING EXPERTS
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CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Permitting – a key issue in the development of the mining sector
Permitting issues encompass the granting, renewal and management of mining titles that allow a company to explore and then exploit mineral resources via a legally valid title issued by a public institution. These issues are core challenges facing both mining companies – for whom obtaining these titles is an essential prerequisite for their economic activity – and public institutions, which must ensure good governance. This requires the establishment of effective mining cadastres, competent regulatory authorities and clear legislative and regulatory frameworks, particularly through mining codes, which guarantee transparent access to resources and the effective collection of fees.
These systems must balance attractiveness for investors, fairness in the allocation of titles, legal certainty, the fight against corruption and the optimisation of economic benefits for the State and local communities. They are a crucial lever for strengthening governance in the sector and ensuring the sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.
With in-depth knowledge of both French and international mining regulations and around 50 mining governance projects completed or underway in many countries, Ginger SOFRECO is the partner of choice for supporting administrations and operators at every stage of the permitting cycle.
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