The Directorate of Mining & Geo-extractives Development started in 2008 as Mines Division under the Directorate of Industry & Mines with the mandate to promote sustainable Geo-extractives Sector Contribution to the Community’s economic growth & social development. In its quest to realize this mandate the directorate focuses on the development of Solid Minerals Mining, Petroleum Mining, and Geology Sectors

ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The Directorate of Mining & Geo-extractives Development, through its work and interaction with other stakeholders has been able to achieve the following:

1. Implementing Supplementary Act A/SP.16/02/12 relating to   ECOWAS Mineral Development Policy/Implementation Matrix;
2. Implementing ECOWAS Directive C/DIR.3/5/09 on Harmonization of Guiding Principles and Policies in the Mining Sector;
3. Implementing ECOWAS Regulation C/REG.3/5/09 relating to Development of Mineral Resources and the Organization of the Mining Sector within ECOWAS;
4. An ECOWAS Guiding Framework on Local Content Development & Regional Cooperation in the Geology and Hydrocarbons Sectors has been finalized for adoption and implementation;
5. A Constitution of the Private Sector led ECOWAS Federation of Chambers of Mines is being finalized for the establishment of the Federation by the National Chambers of Mines;
6. Finalizing a Regional Collaboration Framework with the ECOWAS Geo-extractives Sector Civil Society Organizations Advisory Group for implementation;
7. Launched ECOWAS Mining & Petroleum Forum (ECOMOF). The first edition, ECOMOF 2015, is scheduled for 06-08 October 2015;
8. Progressive establishment of regional platforms and continued deepening of well-structured, institutionalized engagement with the Sector’s key regional stakeholder-groups for development dialoguing. The functional platforms presently are;

a. National Mining Experts Group.

b. National Geology Experts Group.

c. National Hydrocarbons Experts Group.

d. National Chambers of Mines Group.

e. ECOWAS Geo-extractives Sector Civil Society Organizations Advisory Group.

IMPACT ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION AND COMMUNITY CITIZENS

As it continues to make progress in its programmes and projects, the Directorate aims to achieve the following specific objectives, thereby making impact in the areas of:

1. Harmonized regional geo-extractives regimes.
2. Promotion and integration of geo-extractives operations into the national and regional economies.
3. Promotion of sustained development of critical mass of human resource and appropriate technological skills for optimized benefits to the Community.
4. Facilitates the promotion and implementation of visible, sustainable post-extraction community livelihood alternatives.

PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS

ECOWAS Geo-extractives Development Programme

IMPLEMENTERS:

Directorate of Mining & Geo-extractives Development, ECOWAS Commission

SECTOR

Geo-extractives Sector

PROGRAMME/PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Programme being developed over five 5-year Project Phases to 2040 with the underlying philosophy to have a Sustainable Geo-extractives Sector Contribution to the Community’s   Economic Growth & Social Development by 2040. Aims specifically at the following, among others:

1. Improve geological and mineral information / systems.
2. Maximize the benefits from geo-extractives.
3. Promote national private entrepreneurship and professional opportunities for Community citizens.
4. Develop institutional, human, technical, and financial capacities.
5. Achieve convergence in institutional, legal and regulatory frameworks.
6. Ensure environmental and socio-economic sustainability.
7. Promote integrated infrastructure development.
8. Strengthen intra- and inter-regional cooperation.
9. Promote regional geo-extractive sector security, conflict prevention and management.
10. Optimize Value Chains / promote a developed Petrochemicals Industry.

DURATION:

2016 – 2040

TARGETED MEMBER STATES:     

All Member States

OBJECTIVES/EXPECTED RESULTS:

The expected results are:

1. Harmonized regional geo-extractives regimes.
2. Promoted integrated geo-extractives operations into the national and regional economies.
3. Promoted sustained development of critical mass of human resource and appropriate technological skills for continuous optimized benefits to the Community.
4. Facilitated the promotion and implementation of visible, sustainable post-extraction community livelihood alternatives.