Mining Code Reform 2026: Quarry and semi-mechanized mining stakeholders denounce a "settling of scores and non-consensual project"

In total disarray, the group of semi-mechanized companies of Senegal and the chamber of quarries of Senegal, during a press conference, drew the attention of the highest authorities of the State as well as public opinion, to "the extremely worrying situation of our sector in the context of the ongoing reform of the Mining Code and following the workshop for sharing, reviewing and consolidating the draft Code held on September 24 and 25, 2026".

They denounce "a set of articles and provisions aimed at destroying Senegalese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the quarrying, small-scale mining and semi-mechanized mining sectors." They emphasize that the quarrying and semi-mechanized mining sector is a vital link in the national economy, contributing directly to infrastructure development, urban development, employment, public revenue and local value creation.

However, these national players say they face several difficulties: "administrative burdens, legal uncertainty of permits (precarious, revocable, neither transferable nor leaseable titles), inadequate depth of exploitation, limited access to equipment, taxation sometimes disproportionate to the capacities of small businesses, land difficulties, competition from clandestine operations, access to deposits and insufficient representation of national operators in decision-making mechanisms."

Indeed, these Senegalese promoters of semi-mechanized mining and quarrying note that "since the decree prohibiting mining within 500 meters in 2024 was issued, several Senegalese companies have ceased operations. No form of support or compensation has been considered by the State. For two and a half years, all requests for changes to contact information, renewals, or new permits have gone unanswered."

They believe that the reform of the Mining Code must therefore pursue a dual objective: "to strengthen Senegal's economic sovereignty over its natural resources and to create an environment that allows national companies to develop, invest, and contribute more to state revenue." They say they are starting from a bitter observation and a clear intention to completely destroy Senegal's quarrying and semi-mechanized mining sector through the proposed new Mining Code for 2026.

A strategy to stifle Senegalese SMEs owned by Senegalese people

According to these actors, the logic is very simple: "reduce their scope, increase taxes, grant only one authorization, deny them access to financing and partnerships (which are movable, precarious, neither transferable nor leaseable), and as soon as they find a significant deposit, their title is revoked and given to a multinational corporation."

Senegalese private companies and SMEs in the mining sector are requesting the intervention and arbitration of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister to suspend the reform of the Mining Code pending broad national consultations. They believe that such a significant reform, which directly impacts natural resources belonging to the Senegalese people, cannot be undertaken without fully hearing, examining, and rigorously considering the concerns and interests of Senegalese stakeholders in the sector.

They remind the President of the Republic that the concerns, proposals, and demands of Senegalese stakeholders in the sector have already been clearly presented to the Minister during the various meetings he granted them. Well before his arrival, a memorandum had also been submitted to the relevant ministry, and a new memorandum has just been submitted.

This document details precisely all the requests, recommendations and demands made by Senegalese stakeholders with a specific mention of reserving exclusively the awarding of quarries and semi-mechanized quarries to companies under Senegalese law and 100% owned by Senegalese.

Therefore, those concerned are making a solemn appeal to all Senegalese who love justice to stand up against this maneuver aimed at excluding local Senegalese companies from mining operations in favor of foreign multinationals, because it is time to take our destiny into our own hands and take advantage of our resources.