7 ARGENTINA Argentina published its first EITI Report in December 2020 under the flexible format. This approach enabled the country to report timely data shortly after joining the EITI, including some first-time disclosures in the mining sector. The report included key information on the impact of COVID-19 on oil, gas and mining operations and management. During the first nine months of 2020, mining exports fell by nearly 13% compared to the previous year, prompting the government to reduce metal export taxes. The government also modified export duty rates and suspended an increase on taxes for petroleum products. Argentina’s first EITI disclosures represented a significant accomplishment in light of resource constraints and the COVID-19 crisis. It required a strong commitment from Argentina’s Multi-Stakeholder Group and national secretariat with support from the International Secretariat. The process was a valuable opportunity to strengthen trust and embark on an innovative and cost-effective approach to EITI implementation. CHAD April 2021 saw significant political upheaval in Chad, following the death of President Idriss Déby Itno. Prior to these events, the country had made significant progress in its EITI reporting. This included the adoption of the flexible reporting measures and the publication of data on oil production and exports up to the first half of 2020. The country’s report also contained projections for future oil production and revenues. The pandemic has had a significant impact on Chad’s extractive activities. Oil producer Glencore suspended its operations in 2020, and Esso and CNPCI introduced new measures to ensure the continuity of operations. The decline in oil revenues required the government to postpone a USD 22 million payment of its debt service to Glencore that was initially scheduled for 2020. The government further introduced tax incentives and exemptions for companies to support the national economy. If the political situation normalises in Chad, it is hoped that the country can take forward recommendations from its Multi-Stakeholder Group. These include proposals to strengthen future disclosure practices by, for example, establishing a data certification mechanism by the Court of Auditors. PROJECTED OIL PRODUCTION in chad IN MILLIONS OF BARRELS 40 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 SOURCE: CHAD 2018 EITI REPORT 0 2 4 6 8 0 1 0 2 4 6 8 0 3 13% In 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, Argentina’s mining sector saw a 13% decrease in exports compared to the previous year. 13% In 2020, due to the impact of COVID-19, Argentina’s mining sector saw a 13% decrease in exports compared to the previous year.