Casablanca – UK-based Critical Mineral Resources PLC (CMR) is deepening its foothold in Morocco through a new copper and silver project in the central province of Taroudant. Announced on May 23, the company’s joint venture agreement gives it the right to acquire up to 60% of a shallow, sediment-hosted copper deposit, underscoring Morocco’s appeal as a destination for critical mineral investment.

The development is part of a broader push by international mining firms to secure access to metals essential to the global clean energy transition.

Accessible deposit with early-stage potential

The site contains a copper deposit located just 50 meters below the surface, making it suitable for open-pit mining. Preliminary estimates suggest the site holds between 150,000 and 200,000 metric tons of contained copper, with an average grade of 1.2% copper equivalent.

Field samples have confirmed the presence of copper-rich minerals such as malachite, azurite, chalcopyrite, and chalcocite. Notably, some of the mineralization is visible at surface level, suggesting strong potential for efficient early extraction.

Fast-track development enabled by local infrastructure

The project’s location offers key logistical advantages. A paved road lies less than one kilometer from the site, with immediate access to electricity and confirmed water supply from a 2023 reconnaissance well. These conditions allow for an accelerated development model.

CMR has already purchased a diamond drilling rig from Canada, which is en route to Morocco. The company plans to begin drilling during the third quarter of 2025, marking the start of a comprehensive resource validation campaign. In parallel, CMR will launch additional exploration activities to assess the broader potential of the site as a long-term strategic resource.

De-risked through preliminary studies

The joint venture partner on the Moroccan side has completed several technical and environmental studies that significantly reduce project risk. These include:

• Metallurgical testing, indicating copper and silver recovery rates of 80% and 61%, respectively,
• A completed environmental impact assessment and feasibility study, compliant with Moroccan legal standards,
• Secured land access, with the majority of the project area located on public land,
• A turnkey estimate for a 750-ton-per-day flotation plant.

CMR is also planning an initial processing unit with a capacity of 1,000 tons per day, aligned with its rapid development strategy.

Strategic investment backed by new capital

To support early-stage exploration, drilling, and infrastructure setup, CMR recently secured a funding package that includes a mix of equity and a convertible loan. The company’s board believes the project has the potential to deliver positive cash flows within the first years of operation, while enabling future scalability based on updated resource estimates.

The Taroudant project complements CMR’s broader strategy of acquiring and developing critical minerals such as copper, manganese, and cobalt—materials viewed as essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and low-carbon infrastructure.

Morocco’s growing role in the energy transition

Morocco has become increasingly attractive to international mining investors, thanks to its political stability, solid infrastructure, and underexplored geological resources. The country currently hosts ten flotation plants, some of which already process ores similar to those at the Taroudant site.

CMR is no stranger to the region. The company operates the Ikli copper project and holds exploration licenses in Mesta, Igherm, and Ifri—all targeting copper and silver mineralization.

According to CMR, Morocco’s combination of geological promise and export connectivity makes it one of the most strategically positioned countries in North Africa for critical mineral development. Its proximity to European markets adds further commercial appeal, especially as global supply chains increasingly prioritize diversification and sustainability.

Outlook
As global demand for copper and other strategic metals accelerates—driven by the shift toward electrification and clean energy—projects like CMR’s in Taroudant are expected to play an increasingly important role in securing future supply chains.

With a growing portfolio in Morocco, CMR is positioning itself as an agile, forward-looking player in the critical minerals sector. Its sustained activity in the region signals a long-term commitment to Morocco’s mining industry and its potential as a hub for energy transition resources.