Morocco Accelerates Mining Sector Reforms to Boost Economic Sovereignty

Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition, under the leadership of Leila Benali, has launched sweeping reforms to modernize and energize the country’s mining sector—an increasingly vital pillar of national economic sovereignty and territorial development.

Legislative Overhaul in Progress

A proposed amendment to Law No. 33.13 on mines is currently under review by the government, following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. The draft law introduces improved governance measures and emphasizes the extraction of strategic and critical minerals essential for industrial development. Notably, it streamlines investment procedures by allowing private sector access to local resources without the need for prior prospecting or exploitation licenses.

Driving Change Through Digitalization

Central to the reform is a nationwide digital transformation, featuring the development of a centralized mining registry. This platform will consolidate licensing protocols, geoscientific data, regulatory standards, and operator profiles. The new framework supports subcontracting across mining operations and enforces hiring preferences for local workers, coupled with ongoing technical training initiatives.

Investment Momentum and Job Creation

The reforms have already sparked renewed energy in the sector. Authorities reallocated 277 previously withdrawn mining permits to 78 companies—primarily Moroccan—resulting in nearly 2 billion dirhams in committed investments and the creation of around 6,000 direct jobs. Additionally, the government granted 264 research permits and 13 exploitation licenses, underscoring investor confidence.

Regional Development in Focus

Specific programs target historically significant mining zones such as Tafilalet and Figuig, where preliminary studies are paving the way for new tenders later this year. The Eastern High Atlas will offer 179 mining lots across 2,195 square kilometers, while Tafilalet-Maïder will make available 149 lots spanning 1,100 square kilometers. Outreach campaigns and stakeholder workshops are planned to encourage broad participation.

Jerada: A Model for Energy and Social Transition

Jerada Province, emblematic of Morocco’s energy shift, receives tailored attention through a dedicated restructuring initiative. The plan aims to convert environmental and social challenges into long-term economic opportunities, aligning with royal directives