Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is well known for its thriving tourism sector, financial services, and agricultural exports. Mining, however, is not a traditional industry in Mauritius. The island lacks significant mineral resources, and much of its economic focus has historically been on non-extractive industries. Nevertheless, there has been increasing interest in exploring the potential for mining, particularly in offshore areas, as this country aims to diversify its economy and explore new revenue streams. While the island’s land-based mineral resources are limited, its Exclusive Economic Zone offers possibilities for deep-sea mining.
Offshore Mining Opportunities of Mauritius
Mauritius holds one of the largest EEZs (Exclusive Economic Zones) in the world, covering nearly 2.3 million square kilometres of ocean. This vast maritime area is believed to contain valuable resources such as polymetallic nodules. Those include a wealth of copper, nickel, and manganese. With advancements in technology, the prospect of deep-sea mining is becoming increasingly feasible, and this country is keen to explore these possibilities. Additionally, Mauritius is positioning itself to tap into marine resources, by collaborating with international experts and companies. Furthermore, this could significantly boost the nation’s economy.