Overview

The Government of Chad identified mining as a priority investment sector. Government interlocutors seek to develop Chad’s heretofore artisanal mining industry using the transformational ExxonMobil investment as an example for U.S. mining companies to follow. Chad’s mining sector is underdeveloped, and the country’s mineral resources are under-explored. According to a 2010 geologic survey by the Government of Chad, Chad may contain deposits of gold, silver, diamonds, quartz, bauxite, granite, tin, tungsten, uranium, limestone, sand, gravel, kaolin, and salt. Limited seismic exploration has been completed.

Units: US dollar million

Source: International Trade Centre (https://www.trademap.org/Index.aspx)

Leading Sub-Sectors

Gold mining is an emerging sector, with $137 million exported from Chad in 2018, primarily to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Most mining is artisanal. Sodium carbonate derived from limestone, also known as natron, is also exported.

Mining equipment and machinery also show export promise, though substantial demand for these products relies on the start of industrial mining projects.

Opportunities

Government interlocutors seek to develop Chad’s heretofore artisanal mining industry using the transformational ExxonMobil investment as an example for U.S. mining companies to follow. Small and medium enterprises may seek smaller exploration and production projects.

The Government of Chad created the National Mining and Geology Company (SONAMIG) with the aim to boost the mining sector. SONAMIG is intended to accompany foreign investors to ensure safety standards, complete geological mapping, and establish national centers of gold exchange and sale.

Resources

SONAMIG: https://www.facebook.com/sonamig.td/

U.S. Geological Survey 2012 Report on Chad: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/2012/myb3-2012-cd.pdf

For further information, please  contact the U.S. Embassy in N’Djamena at Ndjamena-Commercial@state.gov.