A key enabler of this plan is a $150 million loan approved by pan-African financial institution the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2024 as part of Mauritania’s state-owned Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière (SNIM) $467 million logistics expansion program. The funding will modernize the 700-km railway connecting the Zouerate mining basin to the Nouadhibou mineral port, with the goal of doubling transport capacity by 2030. The project is expected to generate 94 full-time and 230 indirect jobs during construction, contributing to regional employment and skill development.

Port Modernization and Efficiency Upgrades

The railway upgrade builds on a series of major improvements at the Nouadhibou mineral port, completed in late 2022. SNIM deepened and widened the port’s 25-km access channel to accommodate vessels of up to 230,000 tons – up from a previous limit of 150,000 tons – reducing shipping costs and improving loading efficiency. The dredging and infrastructure expansion, officially commissioned in December 2022 and completed in 2024, have significantly boosted Mauritania’s export competitiveness in the global iron ore market.

In parallel, SNIM has undertaken a modernization of its Rweissa handling facility to process two million tons of ore annually. The upgrade includes the installation of new ore processing systems to enhance production of fine enriched ore. To further increase operational efficiency, SNIM partnered with electrical distribution and management company ABB Electrification to electrify and automate port operations, integrating all components into a centralized control room under the firm’s System 800xA. The automation upgrades increased conveyor flow rates from 6,000 to 10,000 tons per hour and included dust-reduction systems across all equipment.

Decarbonization and Industrial Transformation

Complementing these logistics improvements, SNIM is advancing several sustainability initiatives aligned with Mauritania’s broader decarbonization strategy. The company is collaborating with renewable energy systems developer CWP Global under the Aman Project to develop facilities for producing pre-reduced iron ore and hot briquetted iron using green hydrogen. The initiative aims to create a foundation for green steel production, supported by Mauritania’s abundant renewable energy potential. Discussions are also underway for a possible joint venture with steel manufacturing corporation ArcelorMittal to establish a green steel production hub.

As part of its transition toward cleaner energy, SNIM is self-funding a 12 MWp solar PV power plant at Zouerate at a cost of $10.8 million. The project forms part of the company’s broader efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and power industrial operations sustainably.

By combining infrastructure modernization, renewable energy integration and green hydrogen initiatives, Mauritania is positioning itself as a future leader in low-carbon mineral production. The country’s strategic upgrade to port infrastructure and modernization is set to be a key focus at this year’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition – taking place in Dakar from December 8-10 – showcasing Mauritania’s emergence as a sustainable and high-value mining hub in the region.

Explore opportunities, foster partnerships and stay at the forefront of the MSGBC region’s oil, gas and power sector. Visit www.msgbcoilgasandpower.com to secure your participation at the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.