As a prelude to the official launch of the first edition of the Open Days (JPO) of the Mining sector scheduled from September 18 to 26, in the five (5) geological poles of Senegal (WEST, CENTER, NORTH, EAST and SOUTH), the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines Birame Soulèye Diop, faced the press, yesterday Tuesday September 16, 2025, at the Mamadou Dia Administrative Building.

From the outset, he indicated that these Open Days are organized "in a community-based and transparent manner," to enable populations to better understand mining resources, the sector's professions, and opportunities. According to him, the main objective is to inform the public about the challenges of the mining sector, to promote the territory's geological resources, to present the supervision and regulation mechanisms, and to create a framework for dialogue between the administration, communities, and operators.

The country's mining potential is vast, diverse and strategic for its development (from gold to zircon, including phosphates, attapulgites and ornamental stones), explained the minister, adding that the development of this geological heritage has attracted significant investment flows in recent years, with notable impacts on the economic, social and political levels.

“More inclusive and effective mining governance”

The minister indicated that this approach reflects a clear desire to better understand the texts and procedures governing the granting, renewal and management of mining titles. "Indeed, more than 95% of the title application files examined by the investigation committee are currently rejected for non-compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Added to this are irregularities noted on the ground, whether administrative, environmental, technical or social," he explains.

Beyond the administrative aspects, these days will be an opportunity to raise awareness and listen to stakeholders in the sector for more inclusive and effective mining governance.

These days will also make it possible to raise awareness of the rights and obligations of title holders, thus encouraging investment by the national private sector in prospecting, exploration and mining.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines says it is choosing education, transparency and listening, so that the mineral wealth of the subsoil benefits the populations and actively participates in the construction of sustainable, harmonious and sovereign development.

The launch ceremony will take place on September 18 at the Auditorium of Iba Der Thiam University in Thiès, under the effective chairmanship of the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines.

The ministerial delegation will go to Kaolack on the 20th, then on the 22nd to the Nema Kadior Hotel in Ziguinchor, and on the 24th to the Bioparc in Kédougou and finally to Matam on September 26 for the closing ceremony.

The organization of these days mobilizes a large committee composed of representatives of the ministerial cabinet, the technical departments of the General Directorate of Mines and Geology, the National Committee for Monitoring Local Content, the General Directorate of Control and Monitoring of Operations, the Directorate of Strategy and Regulation, the National Assembly and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).