Support to Mining Sector Reform and Critical Minerals Strategy Development in Tunisia
Tunisia’s mining sector is one of the country’s most significant economic pillars, contributing approximately 3–4% to GDP and around 15% of total exports. Phosphate mining is the dominant sub-sector, with Tunisia historically among the world’s leading producers – a position of growing strategic relevance given the EU’s classification of phosphate rock as a critical raw material. Despite this potential, the sector operates under a legal framework that no longer reflects international standards for governance, investor protection or sustainable resource management. The current Mining Code (Law 2003-30) is therefore being revised with a focus on transparency, governance and alignment with international best practice. Against this backdrop, the Government of Tunisia, together with the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy and the National Office of Mines, has committed to a comprehensive modernisation of the sector’s policy, legal and regulatory framework, with EBRD support, to attract responsible investment and ensure the long-term sustainable development of the country’s mineral wealth.
Scope of Services
PrC supports the development of a national mining sector strategy providing the overarching framework for sector governance and development, with priorities including diversification beyond phosphates, revitalising exploration, developing critical minerals and strengthening Tunisia’s position along the mining value chain. This component involves a structured review of the current sector situation, benchmarking against international best practices, and a series of multi-stakeholder strategy development workshops bringing together key government institutions, industry and civil society. The process is designed to ensure broad ownership of the resulting strategy and culminates in its formal adoption at cabinet level.
Building on this strategic foundation, PrC leads the revision and finalisation of a new Mining Code to replace the existing 2003 legislation. This includes a comprehensive technical review of the current draft code, targeted workshops with key stakeholders, and parliamentary preparation. Following adoption of the code, PrC drafts the implementing regulations required for the code to become operational – covering licensing procedures, fiscal arrangements, environmental and social requirements, and reporting obligations – providing legal certainty and operational clarity for investors and regulatory authorities alike.
PrC further develops an investment promotion strategy for the Tunisian mining sector, including targeted outreach materials, conference engagement, media activities and an implementation plan. This component is designed to raise the international profile of Tunisia’s mineral endowment and demonstrate the improved investment climate that the reform process is creating, with the aim of attracting responsible private sector participation.
Finally, PrC delivers a structured capacity building programme for staff of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy and the National Office of Mines. This comprises a series of thematic workshops in Tunis covering key aspects of modern mining sector management – from licensing and inspection to environmental monitoring and investor relations – complemented by recommendations for institutionalising continuing professional development within the beneficiary organisations.
