PART I : GENERAL PRINCIPLES
ARTICLE 1

1.1  All solid, liquid or gaseous petroleum deposits or natural accumulations existing in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, including the marine areas and the exclusive economic zone, are the property of the State.

1.2 The exploration for and exploitation of petroleum, whether solid, liquid or gaseous, as well as the transportation, storage and marketing thereof, hereinafter referred to as "Petroleum Operations", resulting from the petroleum extracted from the Mauritania subsoil are of public interest and subject to the provisions of this Ordinance as well as to the specific statutory and regulatory provisions which would not be contrary thereto.