Kinross Gold's Tasiast mine faces pressure over Mauritanian gold profits

The Tasiast gold mine, operated by the Canadian company Kinross Gold, has reported paying $266.1 million in taxes, duties, and royalties to the Mauritanian state in 2025. This represents a $70 million increase from the $195.9 million paid in 2024. The company also noted that cumulative payments to the government have exceeded $1.7 billion since 2010.

Despite these figures, the company faces growing scrutiny from Mauritanian officials and local representatives. Following a meeting between Kinross executives and the Minister of Finance, Codioro Moussa N’Guenore, the government has sought increased contributions to the national economy. Simultaneously, local leaders in the Inchiri region, including the president of the regional council and the mayor of Benichab, have criticized the local economic benefits, calling for more robust development programs and priority hiring for local youth.

While Kinross highlights that 98% of its workforce is Mauritanian and points to community projects such as the construction of classrooms and markets, critics argue that the state's share of wealth remains disproportionately low relative to the surging global price of gold. There is currently no public data regarding the company's total turnover or net profits, making it difficult to assess the true ratio of wealth generated versus what is paid to the state.