Senegal is banking on its role as a mining hub to optimise its natural resources

The Regional Mining Hub (RMH) project, one of Senegal's priority investments, has been the subject of a re-launch workshop in Dakar. Co-chaired by Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Oil and Mines, and Dr Serigne Guèye Diop, Minister of Industry and Trade, the event brought together key players in the extractive sector to redefine the contours of this strategic initiative, in line with the "Senegal Vision 2050" reference framework.

The technical workshop drew on the pre-study report produced by SOFRECO to assess the essential components of the HMR. Four major areas were examined: land use planning and management, economic profitability and investment plans, integration of local content, and alignment with Senegal's industrialisation policy. These discussions are aimed at structuring a high-performance mining ecosystem capable of maximising the value of natural resources while promoting economic development.

In his speech, Birame Soulèye Diop emphasised the importance of HMR in developing Senegal's mineral wealth. "This project must be based on three fundamental pillars: robust governance, inclusive industrialisation and strong involvement of national players", he said. The Minister particularly emphasised the role of local content, which will boost regional economies and create skilled jobs in the mining hubs of Thiès, Tambacounda and Kédougou, regions rich in resources such as gold and phosphate.

The HMR aims to transform the extractive sector into an engine for sustainable growth, in line with the objectives of "Senegal Vision 2050". By structuring regional hubs, the project aims to optimise the exploitation and local processing of minerals, thereby reducing dependence on raw exports. Integrating industrialisation into the mining value chain will also strengthen economic competitiveness and attract national and international investment.

The workshop laid the foundations for an updated roadmap for the HMR, taking into account the country's economic and social realities. The collaboration between the Ministries of Energy and Industry illustrates the cross-sectoral approach that is essential if this major project is to become a reality. At a time when Senegal is relying on its own resources to finance its development, the HMR could become a model for the sustainable management of mining resources in West Africa.