Morocco Opens Vast Mining Zone to Investors

Morocco has unveiled a major mining tender, opening 361 exploration blocks covering approximately 13,000 square kilometers in the mineral-rich Tafilalet and Figuig region near the Algerian border. The area is known for significant deposits of gold, copper, silver, lead and zinc, positioning the country to strengthen its role in Africa’s growing critical minerals landscape.

Officials say the blocks represent up to a quarter of the broader mining basin, underscoring the scale of the initiative and signaling Rabat’s intent to accelerate exploration and development across one of its most prospective regions.

But the move goes beyond simply expanding extraction capacity. Authorities have made clear that investors will be assessed not only on technical and financial strength, but also on environmental and social performance. Bidders will be evaluated on water stewardship, energy efficiency and alignment with circular-economy principles as part of a broader Africa-focused ESG framework guiding the process.

With applications set to close in May 2026, Morocco is positioning itself as a jurisdiction that seeks to balance profitability with responsibility, reinforcing a message that the future of African mining must be both commercially viable and environmentally accountable.

Source: Business Insider