Mauritania Logistics Capacity Expansion Program

Adaptation Need

Mauritania is increasingly affected by intensifying heat, extended droughts, shifting precipitation patterns, and coastal flooding. Climate risks threaten SNIM’s railway, port, and mining operations, particularly from heat-induced rail buckling, sand encroachment, and sea-level rise at the Nouadhibou port. Approximately 6,800 workers face rising occupational health risks due to extreme heat (>40°C). Temperature increases are projected between +1.5°C to +3.0°C by 2031–2060, especially in inland and southern regions with more than 60 hot days predicted per year (RCP 8.5). Surrounding communities—reliant on SNIM for water, energy, and transport—are vulnerable to service disruptions and climate-induced shocks, where future challenges may include human displacement.

GCA’s Added Value

Consequently, GCA aims to climate-proof the expanding mining infrastructure and worker communities to maintain connectivity within Mauritania, unlock the economic potential of natural resources, and ensure the distribution of key resources, such as water, energy, and food, which are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Technical assistance to SNIM includes conducting climate risk assessments for the railway, port, and mine infrastructure, quantifying both direct and indirect impacts. It also involves appraising adaptation options—covering engineering, nature-based, and institutional measures—through cost-benefit analysis. To safeguard workers, GCA is developing occupational health and safety guidelines (OHS) focused on heat-related risks and maintaining operational continuity. Additionally, GCA is mapping socioeconomic vulnerabilities in SNIM cities (Zouérate and Nouadhibou) to identify at-risk populations and social assets (schools, clinics, housing), and delivering targeted stakeholder engagement and masterclasses on climate-resilient public-private partnerships (PPPs) and OHS standards.