Togo Stops Issuing Mining Permits to Reform Outdated Mining Code

Togo has suspended the issuance of new mining permits for prospecting and exploration as part of an effort to reform its mining sector.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy Resources announced the suspension in a recent decree, describing it as a “strategic pause” to allow for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s Mining Code.

The ministry stated that the temporary suspension would provide time to establish a more rigorous legal framework prioritising sustainability, transparency, and inclusion.

This is a strategic pause, the time to provide our country with a legal framework that is better adapted, more rigorous, and geared towards sustainability, transparency, and inclusion, the ministry said.

The decision comes as part of broader reforms under Togo’s Fifth Republic following the adoption a new Constitution on May 6, 2024.

Authorities have already begun reviewing the current Mining Code, which was initially introduced in 1996 and amended in 2003. Officials say the law has become outdated and inadequate in addressing modern environmental, social, and economic challenges.

“This is a further step towards a more responsible and equitable mining sector,” the ministry added.

The decree applies to all mineral substances across the country but excludes building materials and industrial minerals, which will not be affected by the suspension.

The mining sector is a significant part of Togo’s economy, contributing to exports and job creation. However, concerns over environmental degradation, community displacement, and lack of transparency have driven calls for reform in recent years.

The ongoing review is expected to align the sector with international best practices and improve investor confidence once a new legal framework is implemented.

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