Mauritania

Market Overview

Mauritania operates one of the world's longest and heaviest freight trains on the SNIM Iron Ore Railway, a 704-km line connecting the iron ore mines of Zouerate to the Atlantic port of Nouadhibou. The trains, operated by SNIM (Société Nationale Industrielle et Minière), carry tens of millions of tonnes of iron ore annually and are among the longest trains in regular operation globally. This single-commodity railway is critical to Mauritania's economy, as iron ore is the country's primary export. Mauritania is also exploring connections to the wider West African rail network and has studied passenger rail in the capital Nouakchott. Chinese and European investors have shown interest in expanding Mauritania's mining and rail infrastructure.