Chami, ville nouvelle et ville de l’or.Une trajectoire urbaine insolite en Mauritanie

Chami, Mauritania's newly developed town, exemplifies the intricate interplay between urban planning and artisanal gold mining, offering insights into the dynamics of desert urbanization. The study reveals that Chami's development, initially a state-led initiative with minimal inhabitants, gained momentum through the centralization of gold mining activities, transforming it into a bustling 'mushroom town.' This unique trajectory highlights how gold rushes and urban planning policies can mutually reinforce each other, creating complex socio-economic landscapes. However, the town's future remains uncertain due to potential shifts in government regulation, distribution of mining rents, and environmental concerns, particularly its proximity to Banc d'Arguin National Park.

Gagnol, L., Magrin, G., & Chevrillon-Guibert, R. (2020). Chami, ville nouvelle et ville de l’or.Une trajectoire urbaine insolite en Mauritanie. L’Espace Politique, 38. https://doi.org/10.4000/espacepolitique.6562