At the 8th edition of the International Mining Exhibition (SIM) held at CICAD, Eramet Grande Côte officially returned 1,000 hectares of fully rehabilitated land to the State of Senegal. Located in the dune area between the filaos belt and the Niayes zone, these lands mark a major milestone in EGC’s responsible mining model.
A Commitment to Responsible Mining
These newly restored lands add to the 85 hectares already handed over to the State in 2022. They reflect our determination to rehabilitate soils progressively as mining operations advance, in compliance with legal requirements and our environmental commitments.
On these lands, structured restoration actions have been implemented: dune reprofiling, soil enrichment, vegetation cover reconstitution, planting of local species, and natural ecosystem stabilization.
Rehabilitation is carried out according to Eramet Group standards, as part of its CSR roadmap Act for Positive Mining, which aims to reduce the environmental footprint of mining activities and protect territories sustainably.
A Process Welcomed by Senegalese Authorities
The official handover ceremony was attended by the Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Mr. Birame Souleye Diop, who highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“This operation illustrates compliance with the legal framework and Eramet Grande Côte’s commitment to sustainable mining for the benefit of the State and local communities.”
The Director General of Water and Forests, Colonel Babacar Dione, also stressed the environmental dimension:
“The rehabilitation and reforestation efforts contribute to restoring ecosystems and preserving natural resources for future generations.”
These strong signals confirm the relevance of EGC’s model and the quality of dialogue with authorities, local stakeholders, and communities.
Rehabilitate, Reforest, Restore: A Tangible Impact on Territories
The 1,000 hectares returned demonstrate the work carried out by EGC teams to restore the ecological functioning of areas impacted by mining. Key actions include:
- Progressive dune reconstruction to limit erosion
- Revegetation with native species adapted to dune soils and climate
- Ecological stabilization through continuous environmental monitoring
- Collaboration with forestry authorities to ensure compliance and sustainability
The rehabilitated zone now meets stability standards, enabling its official return to the State of Senegal for future uses aligned with territorial needs.
A Shared Vision: Supporting Territories for the Long Term
With this new restitution, Eramet Grande Côte reaffirms its ambition to be a committed, responsible mining actor firmly rooted in Senegal. Our vision is clear:
- Operate responsibly
- Rehabilitate continuously
- Leave a positive footprint on the territories we traverse
This approach reflects a long-term vision built in partnership with the State, local authorities, technical services, and neighboring communities.
A New Milestone in a Unique Model in West Africa
Eramet Grande Côte remains the national benchmark for environmental rehabilitation in the mining sector, thanks to a rigorous, auditable, and replicable methodology.
The restitution of these 1,000 hectares marks a key step in our environmental roadmap and strengthens authorities’ confidence in our ability to conduct mining operations in harmony with natural and human environments.