IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Senegal

This 2016 report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) assesses Senegal's mining laws and policies against the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Mining Policy Framework (MPF). The assessment identifies a legal environment of medium strength, noting that while the 2003 Mining Code and subsequent policies provide a clear permitting process and revenue mechanisms, significant gaps exist in the implementation of local benefit funds, environmental monitoring, and the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).

• Senegal's mining permitting process is transparent and clearly defined in the Mining Code, requiring environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs) and community consultation for most permits.
• The government generates mining revenues through a combination of corporate income taxes, royalties, permit fees, and joint ownership, with a corporate tax rate of 30 per cent.
• Generous tax exemptions in the 2003 Mining Code have reduced government revenues and the financial benefits available to the population, contributing to perceptions that private sector interests are prioritized over affected communities.
• Despite the establishment of a national equalization fund by Decree n° 2009-1334 to distribute 20 per cent of royalties and fees to local communities, no funding has been transferred to these communities to date.
• Institutional capacity for environmental auditing and monitoring is limited; for example, a Ministry of Environment laboratory was closed during the research period due to a lack of funding from mining companies.
• Mine site rehabilitation is required by law, and a rehabilitation fund was created by Decree 2009-1335, but enforcement is weak and costs are frequently underestimated.
• The government is attempting to formalize the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector through authorization cards, designated mining corridors, and official purchasing counters, particularly in the Kédougou region.
• Informal ASM remains widespread, characterized by the pervasive use of mercury in gold processing and the presence of child labour, both of which pose significant health and environmental risks.
• Geological information is available but access is restricted because it is only provided in physical form at Ministry offices in Dakar, with no online database currently in place.
• Senegal is working toward becoming a fully compliant member of the Extractives Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI), having submitted its first report in 2015.

APA

Crawford, A., Bueno, P. D. L. C., & Naré, C. (2016). IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Senegal. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/senegal-mining-policy-framework-assessment-en.pdf

Chicago

Crawford, Alec, Patricia de la Cueva Bueno, and Clémence Naré. IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Senegal. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2016. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/senegal-mining-policy-framework-assessment-en.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Crawford |first1=Alec |last2=Bueno |first2=Patricia de la Cueva |last3=Naré |first3=Clémence |title=IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Senegal |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=December 2016 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/senegal-mining-policy-framework-assessment-en.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{crawford2016igf, author = {Crawford, Alec and Bueno, Patricia de la Cueva and Naré, Clémence}, title = {{IGF Mining Policy Framework Assessment: Senegal}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2016}, month = dec, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/senegal-mining-policy-framework-assessment-en.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }