Tunisia

Tunisia has a long-standing history of mining that stretches back over centuries. The country is rich in mineral resources, with deposits of iron, phosphate, zinc, lead, and mercury. The mining industry in Tunisia dates back to the Roman era when the country was known as the breadbasket of Rome due to its abundant agricultural resources and its prolific mining industry. The Romans particularly mined lead, paid taxation to them in salt and used it for silver mining. Lead was one of the first metals to be mined and refined in Tunisia, with production beginning in the second century BCE.

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During the modern era, Tunisia’s mining industry experienced significant expansion, with the country becoming one of the largest producers of phosphate globally. Following the country’s independence in 1956, the government began implementing policies that aimed to develop the mining sector as a key part of the country’s economy. The state-owned mining company, CPG, led the development of the phosphate industry and played a crucial role in ensuring that Tunisia remained one of the top phosphate producing countries in the world. Despite this success, the mining sector has faced numerous challenges, including labor strikes, lack of investment, and environmental concerns.