Ellipsis Mining
As a company specializing in mining exploration, we have made the strategic decision to invest in the Moroccan Sahara. This decision has elicited a range of reactions, given the region’s intricate history and complex political landscape, particularly its deep-rooted connection with the Sahrawi people. Despite the controversy surrounding this region, we have discovered that the actual situation on the ground significantly deviates from media portrayals.
The Moroccan Sahara is an expansive, predominantly uninhabited territory, punctuated by a handful of towns. Our interest lies in these uninhabited regions, where we have the potential to explore and mine without causing disruption to local communities. In these areas, we collaborate directly with the Sahrawi people, who have the most substantial claim to the land. The Sahrawi, traditionally a nomadic people, continue to herd camels across the region even today.
The Sahrawi people share a profound, symbiotic bond with the land, a relationship that is acknowledged and respected by the Moroccan government. Whenever a government decision affects a specific area, the Sahrawi tribal elders of that area are consulted. In our situation, we could not have obtained tenements from the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM) without the backing of the Sahrawi, the direct descendants of the land we aim to explore. We also ensure that the Sahrawi maintain an interest in these tenements. We have two areas of interest approximately 50km apart, and we liaise with two Sahrawi families, both of whom have shown us sacred sites where their ancestors have passed.
The Sahrawi revere the land, a sentiment that is reciprocated by the Moroccan government. The graves of their ancestors are significant landmarks in the landscape, and all parties involved, including our company, are dedicated to preserving these among other sacred sites. A remarkable phenomenon observed is that of camels visiting the graves of their former owners, long after they have passed.
Beyond the Moroccan Sahara, the Sahrawi receive support from Iran and Algeria. Both nations have their own political agendas and often attempt to incite unrest in third-party countries. The UN’s original vision regarding Moroccan Sahara, involving a self-determination referendum in 1991 was initially appropriate. However, this approach has become outdated, and in the current geopolitical climate, ceding territory to an Iran backed political regime is impractical and counterprodcutive.
The situation in the Moroccan Sahara is deeply complex and multifaceted. A critical aspect of this geopolitical puzzle involves the Sahrawi people and the Polisario Front, with Algeria and Iran playing a significant role. The town of Tindouf in Algeria houses numerous Sahrawi political refugees, adding another layer to this intricate scenario.
However, the current composition of the Polisario Front has shifted. While it was initially dominated by the Sahrawi, it now includes a substantial number of paid fighters from Mali and other African nations, funded by Algeria and often armed by Iran. This transformation has altered the group’s dynamics and objectives.
Contrary to the prevailing narrative, the Moroccan government’s stance towards the Sahrawi is not as negative as often portrayed. Algeria, which boasts an extensive Mediterranean coastline, shares a relatively small border with the Western Sahara, providing it a strategic interest in the region. The underlying motive behind Algeria’s support for the Sahrawi tribe is its desire to secure access to the Atlantic Ocean. This geopolitical strategy involves surrounding the remaining Sahrawi, who are now outnumbered in the Polisario by fighters financed by the Algerian government.
Media portrayals frequently depict the Sahrawi tribe as victims of Moroccan policies, and they could have been many years ago, but this oversimplifies the situation. In reality, today many Sahrawi are integrated into the Moroccan government, including ministerial positions. Recently, France, as per previous recognition by the United States and Spain, has acknowledged Morocco’s approach as legitimate, supporting its efforts to establish a federal system in the region. This system aims to grant the Moroccan Sahara autonomy similar to a state, while maintaining overarching federal services.
This initiative not only addresses local governance but also serves a broader geopolitical purpose: preventing Iran from gaining a foothold in the region through its surrogate, Algeria. Understanding these dynamics requires looking beyond media headlines to grasp the full picture of the Moroccan Sahara conflict and the diverse interests at play.
In conclusion, our investment in the Moroccan Sahara is not a decision we have made lightly. We are cognizant of the political complexities and the sensitivities of the Sahrawi people. However, we are confident that our approach, which involves working directly with the Sahrawi and honoring their deep connection to the land, is the correct one. We are committed to ensuring that our exploration activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably, with the highest regard for the land and its people.
