Casablanca – Morocco’s mining sector has received a major boost following the announcement of what industry specialists describe as one of the strongest multi-metal drill intercepts ever recorded in the country. The discovery, made by the Canadian company Aya Gold & Silver at its Boumadine project in the province of Errachidia near the Algerian border, is now being seen as a potential turning point for the development of strategic minerals in the region.
The company, which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, revealed that recent drilling results uncovered exceptionally rich grades of gold, silver, zinc and lead. These new findings, released as part of the company’s 2025 drilling program, have significantly expanded confidence in the geological potential of the Boumadine deposit and strengthened expectations for additional mineral resources.
Exceptional high-grade results strengthen resource outlook
According to the company’s technical report, one drill hole—designated BOU-MP25-087—intersected a 15-meter mineralized zone at a depth of 138 meters. This interval returned concentrations of 3.31 grams of gold per tonne, 1,900 g/t of silver, 4.8% zinc, and 1.8% lead, alongside smaller amounts of copper. Within this section, an even richer 8.7-meter interval showed significantly higher grades of 5.37 g/t gold, 3,208 g/t silver, 6.3% zinc, and 2.8% lead.
Experts cited in international mining platforms indicate that this discovery represents the strongest mineral intercept ever obtained at Boumadine. They note that such grades are rarely observed in modern multi-metal exploration, reinforcing confidence that the region contains substantial untapped mineral potential.
Geological advantages deepen the strategic importance of the site
Boumadine is located roughly 220 kilometers east of Ouarzazate in an area known for its complex sulfide systems. The project covers 339 square kilometers of exploitation permits, in addition to more than 600 square kilometers licensed for exploration. The geological formations include numerous sulfide veins and lenses containing minerals such as pyrite, sphalerite (zinc), galena (lead), and chalcopyrite (copper). These structures typically range from one to four meters in width, but the latest results demonstrate that broader, higher-grade zones exist within the system.
The 2025 drilling program not only confirmed strong mineralization but also identified a new parallel high-quality structure, widely considered a promising lead for future resource expansion. Company geologists say the open mineralization remains “very much alive,” with multiple drilling targets emerging as priorities for the next phase of exploration.
Early economic assessments support strong investment potential
Initial economic studies suggest that Boumadine has the potential to become one of Morocco’s most profitable mining operations in the coming years. According to preliminary evaluations, the project could generate an internal rate of return of 77%, with capital payback in approximately one year, assuming precious-metal prices remain near current levels. These indicators place Boumadine among the strongest new mining projects under development in North Africa.
Markets reacted immediately to the discovery. Shares of Aya Gold & Silver climbed sharply following the announcement, reflecting rising investor confidence and positioning the company among the top-performing mining firms on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Development plan and long-term operational vision
Aya Gold & Silver has outlined a development strategy that includes the construction of six open-pit mining sections and three underground mines, supported by a processing facility capable of handling 8,000 tons of ore per day. Current projections estimate the mine’s operational lifespan at over 11 years, though analysts expect this figure to increase as exploration continues.
Official resource estimates indicate that Boumadine contains approximately:
- 76.8 million ounces of silver
- 2.4 million ounces of gold
- 615,000 tons of zinc
- 237,000 tons of lead
These volumes place the project among the most promising contributors to Morocco’s expanding role in global mineral supply chains.
Strategic implications for Morocco’s mining sector
The new discovery comes at a time of growing international demand for metals crucial to renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and battery technologies. As countries seek secure sources of strategic minerals, Morocco’s eastern region is now emerging as a potential focal point for investment.
Industry observers note that Boumadine reinforces Morocco’s ambition to consolidate its position as a reliable producer of precious and base metals. The results also highlight the long-term potential of the country’s under-explored mining basins, which could benefit from additional foreign capital, improved geological mapping, and expanded drilling programs.
With its latest high-grade discovery, Boumadine stands out as one of the most significant mineral developments in Morocco in recent years—an achievement that could accelerate economic activity, attract new investors, and redefine the country’s standing in the global mining industry.
