Comoros has joined the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals, and Sustainable Development (IGF), becoming the organization’s 85th member.
In joining the IGF, the government stated its aim is to strengthen mineral resource management and mining governance in terms of transparency, taxation, social impacts, and environmental protection.
“We need to ensure mining and quarrying practices in Comoros contribute to socio-economic development and include the active and meaningful participation of diverse stakeholders to foster a collaborative approach to mine and quarry management,” said Mohamed Chaheire Mohamed Chamassi, Head of the Comoros Geological Bureau.
“Comoros has recently seen a rise in the artisanal and small-scale mining operations that extract development minerals such as sand, gravel, and dimension stones. Through the IGF, we hope to improve how we govern this sector to ensure positive social and environmental outcomes,” said Chamassi.
The government is also working to promote geological research and facilitate investment in its mining sector.
“Comoros is joining a growing number of countries across the globe that see the need for stronger mining governance of development minerals, including industrial minerals, construction materials, dimension stones, and semi-precious stones,” said Greg Radford, IGF Director.
“On behalf of the IGF Secretariat and our membership, I want to extend a warm welcome to Comoros,” said Radford.
The IGF supports its 85 member countries in advancing their sustainable development goals through effective laws, policies, and regulations for the mining sector. We help governments take action to develop inclusive and gender-equitable practices, optimize financial benefits, support livelihoods, and safeguard the environment. Our work covers the full mining life cycle, from exploration to mine closure, and projects of all sizes, from artisanal mining to large-scale operations. Guided by our members’ needs, we provide in-country assessments, capacity building, technical training, publications, and events to advance best practices, peer learning, and engagement with industry and civil society. The International Institute for Sustainable Development has hosted the IGF Secretariat since October 2015. Core funding is provided by the governments of Canada and the Netherlands.