Chad advances mining sector with new artisanal framework and aerogeophysical survey

The National Society for Mining Exploitation and Control (SONEMIC) held a validation session on 29 July 2026 for a National Reference Framework that will govern, structure and formalise artisanal mining. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Mines, Petroleum and Geology Fatimé Haram Acyl, brought together SONEMIC officials, public‑institution representatives and artisanal miners to approve a strategic document aimed at improving transparency, responsibility and sustainability, and at integrating small‑scale operators into the formal economy.

A week later, on 27 July 2026, SONEMIC launched the second phase of an aerial‑geophysical national mining inventory at N'Djamena's Hassan Djamous International Airport. Director‑General Abdelkerim Charfadine Mahamat, the minister and other government partners attended. The survey will generate high‑precision data on deep geological structures to identify precious metals, base metals, industrial minerals, gemstones and critical minerals such as rare‑earth elements. The initiative supports ChadConnexion2030, the government's development plan, and is intended to reduce investment risk, attract national and international investors and move Chad toward becoming a recognized mining nation by 2030.