Barriers of Mining and Minerals on Social Economics in Awdal, Sanaag and Marodijeh in Somaliland

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to emphasize barriers of mining and minerals in Somaliland. A questionnaire was conducted in three mining sites in Marodijex, Awdal and Sanaag regions in Somaliland. The mineral potential of Somaliland has not been thoroughly explored or investigated. Since colonial and post- independence times, the country has remained one of the last frontiers, offering chances and surprises to those that go into it. Now, there is an almost insatiable appetite for commodities, particularly mineral resources. As demand and prices grow and producing resources diminish, the global commodity business is looking for new frontiers to meet demand. Somaliland is a newly explored frontier area that is ready to divulge its secrets of oil, gas, uranium, platinum, rare earth metals, gold, copper, iron, manganese, tin, and gemstones. Mining and Minerals has a key role in Pillar One (economic development), which envisions a nation whose citizens enjoy sustained economic growth and reduced poverty levels. Somaliland is believed to contain a huge hydrocarbon resource and vast coal resources, estimated at 6 billion tons occur near Berbera (Ali, 2009). From 2020 to 2022. Somaliland mining and mineral resource sector has been hampered by several challenges including the weak regulatory framework: Somaliland mining and mineral sector face weak enforcement of legal frameworks and policies in the mining and mineral sector. Improve the regulatory environment. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals should review and update its mining laws and regulations to make them more attractive to foreign investors. This could include streamlining the permitting process, reducing taxes and royalties, and providing other incentives to exploration companies.