Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has awarded a mineral exploration permit for salt to the Tunisian branch of the Kuwaiti group Gulf Care Company, as the North African country seeks to step up foreign investment in its mining sector.
The three-year permit, which took effect following a ministerial decree published in the Official Gazette on April 3, covers the “Chott El Gharsa” area in Tozeur governorate, in the country’s southwest.
Under the terms of the exploration title, the Kuwaiti company will carry out geological surveys and reserve assessments to determine the commercial viability of the salt deposits, which lie within an 84,000-hectare perimeter. The exploration phase does not yet authorise commercial production.
€1.2 million exploration budget
Gulf Care has committed to a minimum work programme worth 1.2 million Tunisian dinars (approximately €360,000) for the initial phase of the project. The permit falls under the “Group 4” category of Tunisia’s mining code, which covers solid and dissolved natural salts, including chlorides, bromides, iodides, borates, sulphates and nitrates, whether occurring as massive deposits or as natural brines.
The operation is part of Tunisia’s broader strategy to diversify its economy by developing non-conventional mineral resources and attracting foreign direct investment. Salt is considered a strategic raw material for the country’s chemical and agri-food industries.
Long-term concession extension for local operator
Separately, the ministry has extended the exploitation concession for the “Sidi El Hani” salt deposit for a further 25 years, effective from August 28, 2026. The concession, which covers 1,600 hectares across the governorates of Sousse and Monastir, has been awarded to the Tunisian company Saïda. Before any site occupation can begin, Saïda must first settle its land-use arrangements with the relevant property owners, in line with mining code requirements.
Kuwaiti interest in Tunisia’s mining potential
The Gulf Care permit marks the first mining exploration title awarded to a Kuwaiti company in Tunisia. It follows a meeting in December 2024 between Tunisian and Kuwaiti officials aimed at strengthening bilateral investment ties.
Tunisian authorities have said that such projects help boost local economic activity, create jobs and modernise the country’s mining sector. The ministry has emphasised that all operations must comply with current environmental and legal standards.
The award of the exploration permit to Gulf Care, together with the extension of the Sidi El Hani concession, signals Tunisia’s determination to secure and add value to its natural resources while facilitating access for foreign investors.
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