By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Hargeisa, 2 September 2026 Somaliland's Ministry of Energy and Minerals has suspended issuance of mining licences for three months, according to a letter signed by the minister and dated Aug. 30.
The ministry said the suspension takes effect Sept. 1 and will remain in place until Dec. 1, during which period issuance of licences will be halted.
The decision was made under Somaliland's Mining Law No. 100/2023, according to the letter, which was addressed to the director-general and relevant departments of the ministry.
The ministry said the suspension was linked to efforts to review and reform mining licences and to ensure mining activities comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
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The letter also referred to provisions of the law covering the responsibilities and powers of the ministry, including oversight of the mining sector and regulation of mining activities.
The ministry did not give details on how many licence applications would be affected or whether existing licences would be subject to the same measures.
The pause comes as Somaliland seeks to strengthen regulation and management of its mineral resources. The ministry said the measure would allow it to undertake the necessary review before issuance resumes.