Casablanca – Canadian silver producer Aya Gold & Silver Inc. is significantly advancing its exploration and development initiatives in Morocco’s Boumadine area within the Drâa-Tafilalet region, signaling a major step forward in harnessing the area’s substantial silver potential. The company announced that it has acquired four new mining licences, expanding its operational footprint by 28.3% to cover over 272 square kilometers. In addition, Aya secured an extensive 600 km² exploration authorization, granting the company priority access to a broad swath of prospective territory.
The four newly acquired licences contribute an additional 59.9 km² to the Boumadine project area, which has now grown from an initial 240 km² to more than 272 km². This strategic move not only increases Aya’s access to highly prospective mineral zones but also reinforces its commitment to consolidating and enhancing the region’s silver resource base. “Over the past 15 months, our presence in Boumadine has expanded by an impressive 848%,” explained Benoit La Salle, President and CEO of Aya Gold & Silver Inc. “This rapid growth is perfectly aligned with our vision to optimize this world-class silver asset through focused exploration and technological innovation.”
Complementing the licence expansion, the company has reported notable progress in its drilling operations. In January 2025 alone, Aya completed 17,034 meters of drilling at Boumadine, with over 30,000 assay results pending. The current drilling fleet includes 11 diamond drill rigs and one reverse circulation (RC) rig, with plans to deploy two additional RC rigs in the near term as part of the ongoing 2025 exploration program. This ambitious drilling campaign is further supported by the integration of state-of-the-art exploration techniques such as hyperspectral surveys, detailed airborne geophysical studies—including magnetic and electromagnetic analyses—and comprehensive mapping and prospecting efforts.
“Our systematic application of advanced exploration methods alongside traditional drilling is yielding promising new drill targets,” said La Salle. “We are committed to maximizing operational efficiency and deepening our understanding of Boumadine’s geology and mineralization, which we believe will lead to significant resource upgrades.”
The Boumadine area, situated in Drâa-Tafilalet region southeast Morocco, is renowned for its rich mineral endowment. Numerous industry observers have noted that Morocco’s High and Little Atlas regions rank among the most prospective for silver exploration. They point to a broader trend in the region, where proactive government policies and a welcoming investment climate are drawing interest from global mining companies. Economic analysts highlight that such strategic expansions not only affirm the potential of Boumadine but also underscore Morocco’s emerging status as a pivotal hub for mining investments in North Africa.
Aya Gold & Silver’s operations in Morocco form part of a broader growth strategy that includes the high-grade Zgounder Silver Mine and other significant projects like the Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania. The company’s commitment to sustainable development is reflected in its rigorous quality assurance practices. For instance, core samples are methodically collected in one-meter intervals, with half the sample retained on-site for future reference. These measures ensure the reliability and consistency of the exploration data, a critical factor in underpinning the company’s long-term success.
Looking ahead, Aya plans to continue expanding its exploration licences and integrating further technological innovations to refine its geological models. The secured 600 km² exploration authorization provides a substantial platform for future activities, granting Aya priority rights to conduct exploration on unclaimed lands within this vast area. The company’s aggressive yet methodical approach is expected to drive not only increased production capacity but also substantial enhancements in shareholder value.
As Morocco continues to establish itself as a premier destination for mining investments, Aya Gold & Silver’s latest developments in Boumadine serve as a strong indicator of the transformative potential of strategic exploration in the region. With a blend of cutting-edge technology, expansive operational growth, and a commitment to sustainable practices, Aya is poised to usher in a new era of silver mining excellence in Morocco.
