Nouakchott, Mauritania – Mauritanian authorities have issued a stern warning to artisanal gold miners operating near the border with Algeria, urging them to refrain from approaching the frontier in order to prevent potential border disputes and regulate traditional mining activities.
The Governor of Tiris Zemmour region, Idrissa Samba Koureissi, has instructed gold prospectors to vacate a ten-kilometer strip of land within Mauritanian territory along the border. This measure, according to the Governor, is intended to prevent any attempts to cross international boundaries illegally.
Local sources report that the Governor has granted miners a week to evacuate the specified area and distance themselves from the border region. The directive emphasizes the necessity of adhering to official guidelines to avoid legal and security repercussions.
DZWatch understands that this move reflects Mauritania’s commitment to maintaining stable border relations and ensuring the orderly management of its natural resources. The unregulated nature of artisanal gold mining in the region has previously raised concerns about potential cross-border movements and security issues.
Authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation in the coming days to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This development underscores the ongoing challenges of managing resource extraction in border regions and the importance of clear guidelines to prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts.
The Mauritanian government has not yet released information about alternative mining zones for the prospectors. The impact on the local economy of Tiris Zemmour, which relies heavily on artisanal mining, remains to be seen. DZWatch will continue to follow this story as it develops.
