Casablanca – Morocco has launched one of its largest mining investment initiatives in recent years, opening 361 exploration zones to competition in the Tafilalet and Figuig mining region. The public call for competition, announced by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, marks a strategic step aimed at strengthening the country’s mining sector, attracting responsible investment, and supporting regional economic development.

The tender covers a total area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers, equivalent to about 1.3 million hectares. This represents around 22 percent of the total Tafilalet and Figuig mining region, highlighting the scale of the operation. Authorities view the initiative as a major opportunity to unlock mineral resources in southeastern Morocco, an area long recognized for its geological wealth but still underdeveloped in terms of industrial mining.

Structured framework to attract qualified investors

The new tender introduces a structured and transparent selection process designed to ensure that only qualified and responsible operators are awarded exploration rights. For the first time, candidate evaluation will be based on multiple criteria, including technical expertise, financial capacity, and compliance with health and safety requirements.

In addition, authorities will assess the potential socio-economic impact of proposed projects, including job creation, local value generation, and regional development contributions. This approach reflects a shift toward integrating mining activities within broader territorial development strategies rather than focusing solely on extraction.

Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2026, to the ministry’s regional offices in Errachidia and Oujda, depending on the geographic location of the zones concerned. The full tender documentation has been made available in Arabic and French to facilitate participation from both domestic and international investors.

Focus on sustainable and responsible mining practices

A central objective of the initiative is to promote environmentally sustainable mining models. Authorities are encouraging operators to incorporate renewable energy solutions, improve water and energy efficiency, and adopt circular economy practices to reduce environmental impact.

Projects that integrate advanced technologies for mineral processing, storage, and resource optimization will receive additional evaluation advantages. A specific bonus mechanism has been introduced for proposals presenting comprehensive sustainable mining models aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

This approach reflects Morocco’s broader commitment to responsible natural resource management, including the implementation of principles outlined in the Marrakech Declaration adopted during the International Mining Congress held in Morocco in November 2025.

Significant mineral resources and economic opportunities

The Tafilalet and Figuig region contains a wide range of valuable mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and baryte. These minerals play important roles in various industrial applications, including electronics, construction, energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

Historically, mining activity in the region has often been fragmented, with limited industrial development and relatively low levels of local processing. Through this new tender, authorities aim to transition toward more structured and industrial-scale operations capable of generating higher economic value.

The initiative is expected to create employment opportunities, support regional supply chains, and increase the contribution of mining to national economic growth. It also aligns with Morocco’s broader industrial development goals, which emphasize local transformation and value addition rather than raw material exports alone.

Strategic positioning amid global competition for minerals

The timing of the initiative reflects growing global competition for mineral resources, particularly critical minerals essential for energy transition technologies, electric vehicles, and digital infrastructure. Countries worldwide are intensifying exploration efforts to secure access to these strategic materials.

Morocco is positioning itself as a reliable partner in global mineral supply chains, supported by its geological potential, political stability, and improving investment environment. International partners have highlighted the country’s importance in diversifying global supply sources and strengthening resource security.

By expanding exploration and encouraging investment, Morocco aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the global mining sector and increase its attractiveness to international investors seeking stable and resource-rich jurisdictions.

Governance reforms and modernization of the mining sector

The mining tender is part of broader reforms aimed at improving governance and performance across Morocco’s natural resource sectors. Authorities have taken steps to modernize regulatory frameworks, enhance transparency, and improve institutional efficiency.

Recent measures include structural reforms affecting key public institutions involved in resource management, aimed at strengthening oversight, improving operational performance, and facilitating investment. These reforms are intended to ensure that mining development contributes effectively to national economic objectives while maintaining strong environmental and social safeguards.

Regional development and long-term national strategy

Beyond its economic significance, the initiative reflects Morocco’s commitment to promoting balanced regional development. The Tafilalet and Figuig region, located in southeastern Morocco, has significant natural resources but faces economic and employment challenges.

By attracting mining investment, authorities aim to stimulate economic activity, support infrastructure development, and create new employment opportunities in these areas. The initiative also seeks to strengthen local industrial ecosystems and encourage technology transfer and skills development.

The opening of 361 mining zones marks a major milestone in Morocco’s mining strategy. It reflects a comprehensive approach that combines investment attraction, sustainable resource management, and regional development objectives.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could significantly enhance Morocco’s mining output, strengthen its role in global mineral supply chains, and contribute to long-term economic growth while ensuring responsible and sustainable resource utilization.