Eramet Grande Côte Press Release
Dakar, January 10, 2024
For several weeks now, Eramet Grande Côte has been the target of a destabilization campaign on social media and in the media, spreading serious and false accusations aimed at discrediting our company.
Eramet Grande Côte operates in Senegal in full compliance with the country’s laws and regulations, particularly in the mining and environmental sectors. We work closely with the Senegalese authorities, who regularly oversee our activities, and representatives of the State sit on our board of directors.
Environmental issues are a priority and an integral part of our operations. We rely on the strictest international mining standards, including the standard of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA). No chemicals are used to exploit the mineral sands. The sand is pumped, sorted by density to separate the mineralized portion, and then 98% of the remaining sand is immediately returned to the back of the facility. Environmental rehabilitation of the exploited areas is carried out in step with the operation. And we are the only Senegalese mining company to have initiated a process of gradual restitution of rehabilitated land, with more than 85 hectares already returned to the Senegalese authorities.
Our commitment to Senegal is also reflected in a significant economic contribution. In 2023, we generated 97 billion CFA francs in economic benefits and created nearly 2,000 sustainable jobs, positioning us as the 5th largest mining contributor to the state budget, as confirmed by the latest EITI report.
The well-being of local communities is at the heart of our priorities. In 2024, we intensified dialogue with the populations. Two independent auditors also conducted 800 interviews to gather the opinions and testimonies of residents.
Our resettlement program, developed in concert with all impacted stakeholders, aims to improve the living conditions of communities. The new villages offer modern housing with electricity and running water, as well as infrastructure such as mosques, schools, and health centers.
As a responsible mining group, we have made a voluntary commitment, beyond compensation in the Lompoul area, to create a new and unique tourist site: The Oasis of Senegal, which already hosts a tourism operator whose infrastructure is ready to open and 5 other operators in the process of setting up on more than 400 hectares.
Finally, we are one of the few mines in Senegal to regularly open our doors to all stakeholders. In 2024, we welcomed several hundred visitors from various backgrounds. At the end of each of these visits, the work of the Eramet Grande Côte teams is praised and cited as a model to follow.
