Independent review ESIA Tiris Uranium project

At the request of the Directorate for Environmental Assessment and Control (DECE) of the Ministry of Environment of Mauritania, the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (NCEA) conducted an independent review of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Tiris Uranium project, the first uranium mining initiative in Mauritania.

For this mission, the NCEA was supported by international experts in key areas relevant to the project: mining environment, hydrology, physical environment, social aspects, and radioactivity. Conducted from 30 June to 8 July 2025, the mission combined a thorough review of the ESIA report with consultations involving key stakeholders — including civil society, artisanal miners, cattle owners, the relevant ministries and their local representatives, as well as the project proponent. The resulting technical advice aims to strengthen both the quality of the ESIA and the environmental governance of the mining sector.

This activity is part of the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to enhance environmental governance and ensure responsible and sustainable mining exploitation that respects ecosystems and reconciles development with the protection of natural resources.