Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy Stresses Need for Coordination to Revise Mining Code
The Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, emphasized on Monday, July 28, the need for strengthened coordination among stakeholders to rapidly finalize the revision of the Mining Code, a crucial lever for dynamizing the sector.
During a meeting with members of the committee in charge of this dossier and representatives of mining companies, she recalled that the Code, dating back to 2003, must be adapted to the Constitution of July 2022.
The Constitution notably requires that "conventions and investment contracts related to national wealth" be approved by the Assembly of the People's Representatives and the National Council of Regions and Districts (Article 16). This revision thus ensures the supremacy of the Constitution and the sovereignty of the State over its natural resources.
The Minister also highlighted that this reform is essential to respond to investment needs in the sector, unify the legal framework, review fiscal and customs aspects, and strengthen consideration of land, environmental, and social dimensions, in line with the principles of sustainable development.
This meeting is part of the follow-up of the revision committee's work, which collects proposals from various stakeholders to improve governance and management of the country's natural resources.
Notably, the mining sector currently comprises 60 research companies and 47 operating companies, including 10 foreign ones. It contributes approximately 3% to the national GDP and employs over 25,000 people.
