Mauritania is on a path to enhance its iron ore production substantially, with a target set to exceed 45 million tons annually by 2030—an ambitious plan considering its 2022 output of 13 million tons which saw a modest increase to 14 million tons in 2023, as per the African Development Bank (AfDB).
To achieve this, Mauritania is intensifying efforts to produce high-grade iron ore and to forge ahead with the development of iron ore pellets. This strategy is in step with the evolving global priorities for sustainable and cleaner steel production methodologies. Mauritania’s rich resources, including an expansive 20-billion-ton iron ore deposit, place it as Africa’s second-largest producer, suggesting significant potential for growth.
Parallel to its mining endeavours, Mauritania is also turning its attention to renewable energy, specifically the production of green hydrogen. It is undertaking significant infrastructural investments to support this initiative. Among the noteworthy projects is CWP’s Aman, which the AfDB has highlighted for its potential to propel the nation’s GDP by an impressive 50 to 60% by 2035. Project Aman’s ambitions are to annually produce 1.7 million tons of green hydrogen and 10 million tons of green ammonia, indicating Mauritania’s commitment not just to economic growth, but also to environmental sustainability.
