GEOLOGICAL MAPPING AND MINERAL EXPLORATION
Geological Mapping programmes for the general geology of the country have been undertaken by the Geology Department at different times. The latest regional geological mapping and mineral exploration was carried out from 1993 to 1995 resulting in the production of a geological report and a new coloured geological map (scale 1:250,000). Government continues its efforts in the overall development of geosciences and the mineral sector.

MINERAL PROSPECTING
As part of its prospecting activities, under the Exclusive Prospecting Licence to explore and evaluate the mineral sands (i.e. minerals ilmenite, zircon and rutile), in the coastal region of The Gambia, Carnegie Corporation Ltd of Australian and its joint venture partner, Astron Limited, commissioned a pilot plant to extract residual heavy minerals from the historic tailings dump near Ghana Town. It produced about 12,500 tonnes of a preliminary zircon concentrate that was exported from the port of Banjul for final processing in China.

In 2004, Carnegie and Astron started the second stage of the mining trial at the Sanyang deposit to test small-scale dredging as a potential low cost mining method. The mining trials have been implemented according to detailed

Environmental Management Plans that showed that no significant negative environmental impacts were associated with the project. The mining trials are essentially the first step in the planned larger mining project that would bring substantial benefits to the Gambian economy. QUARRY OPERATIONS The amendment of Minerals Act Cap 64 of the laws of the Gambia in 1994 and the subsequent development of mining operations plans have provided an enabling environment for improved management of quarry materials and private sector investment in this extractive industry.

MINING LEGISLATION
The Economic and Legal Section of the Special Advisory Services Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat is assisting the Gambia in reviewing the country’s mining code with a view to provide a modern mining legislation that will provide an environment for promoting local and foreign investment and to protect the environment and public interest in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in The Gambia.