2009年-世界发展银行全球_Yemen_-_Mineral_Sector_Review_90页_6mb

Yemen Mineral Sector Review Summary

Executive Summary

Yemen's reliance on the oil sector for economic growth is becoming unsustainable due to the rapid depletion of oil reserves. The mineral sector is identified as a key area with potential for future growth, alongside tourism and agriculture. This report assesses the potential contribution of the mineral sector to sustainable growth and poverty alleviation, and outlines the constraints that must be addressed to realize this potential.

The mineral sector has promising geological potential, especially for metallic and industrial minerals, as well as significant deposits of natural stones. However, Yemen lacks a mining tradition and requires substantial efforts to develop the sector. The report outlines a short to medium-term growth scenario for the mineral sector, including the development of the Jabali zinc deposit and the Al Hariqah gold deposit.

Key Areas of Mineral Potential

Metallic Minerals and Precious Metals

• Strengths: Good geological structure for mineralization, particularly gold, zinc, and copper; geological maps available; previous reports by GSMRB and predecessors are accessible.
• Weaknesses: Lack of mining culture; Yemeni geologists not trained in economic geology; previous work not to modern standards; inadequate infrastructure (roads and power).
• Opportunities: New mining legislation can improve investment conditions; strong demand for precious metals in international markets.
• Threats: Insurrection in northern Yemen affects investor perception; access to tribal lands is a challenge; long-term metal markets are expected to be robust.

Industrial Minerals

• Strengths: Significant geological potential for limestones, feldspars, pumice, perlite, scoria, quartz, silica sand, kaolin, and natural zeolite; many sites are near main ports.
• Weaknesses: Lack of mining culture; insufficient expertise in economic geology; inadequate infrastructure.
• Opportunities: Domestic and regional markets for industrial minerals are underdeveloped; the development of the natural stone sector can support low-cost aggregates and other industrial minerals.
• Threats: Access to tribal land complicates quarrying; new mining laws may not favor small enterprises.

Natural Stones

• Strengths: Extensive geological potential; presence of limestones, travertines, and colored granites; low shipping costs to regional and Asian markets; existing tradition in natural stone use and architecture.
• Weaknesses: No modern NS quarries in operation; limited processing capacity; lack of skilled labor; absence of technical studies; no specific NS legislation.
• Opportunities: High international demand for natural stones; potential for domestic and regional markets; new interest from international donors.
• Threats: Strong competition from other countries; lack of legal framework; challenges in accessing tribal lands.

Constraints to Development

• Infrastructure: Limited road and power infrastructure, especially in western Yemen. A proposed railway from Sana'a to southern ports could help, but detailed studies are needed.
• Social Aspects: Instability in northern Yemen and the traditional tribal nature of society complicate resource access. Mining companies must engage with local communities to ensure social acceptance.
• Government Capacity: Regulatory agencies need strengthening in terms of expertise and resources to manage and promote the sector effectively.

Support for Mineral Sector Development

The report recommends a long-term approach (up to ten years) for developing the mineral sector, with the following objectives:

• Enhance the natural stone sector through improved efficiency, quality, and market understanding.
• Build government capacity to provide support services and improve sector regulation, including social and environmental management.
• Encourage local enterprises to involve local communities and foster a mining culture.
• Identify and promote mineral occurrences requiring specialized exploration by international companies.

Recommendations

1. Regulatory Framework and Capacity Building: Strengthen regulatory institutions and improve their capacity to manage and promote the sector.
2. Technical Programs: Support exploration and development of mineral resources through technical assistance and modern methods.
3. Small-Scale Mining Sector: Develop a sustainable approach for small-scale mining, including community involvement and government support.
4. Training: Provide management, economic, and technical training to enhance sector capabilities.
5. Natural Stone Sector: Focus on improving quality, market awareness, and infrastructure to support growth.
6. Infrastructure Development: Initiate infrastructure projects that are essential for mining activities, even if the railway proposal is not approved.

Conclusion

The mineral sector in Yemen has significant potential to contribute to economic growth and poverty alleviation. However, realizing this potential requires addressing infrastructure gaps, social challenges, and strengthening regulatory and institutional frameworks. The World Bank and other international partners are playing a crucial role in supporting these efforts, and the government is working on legal and fiscal reforms to create a more favorable environment for mining investment.