Casablanca – The High Atlas region of Morocco is emerging as a promising new frontier for copper mining following recent exploratory successes by the British-Australian company Royal Road Minerals. Their initial drilling campaign at the Lalla Aziza site has revealed economically viable copper mineralization, positioning the area for potential development of a new open-pit mine.

Located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, the Lalla Aziza deposit sits within a structurally complex zone of the High Atlas mountains, historically known for underground copper extraction but until now lacking modern, large-scale exploration. The site, currently operated by the Moroccan company Carbomine SARL, has been under an option agreement since December 2024, granting Royal Road the potential to acquire full control of the mining license.

Promising exploration results

In the first phase of exploration, Royal Road conducted a 1,000-meter drilling campaign involving 15 reverse circulation holes—the first modern drilling undertaken at the site. Results showed encouraging grades and thicknesses of copper mineralization within a southeast-dipping shear zone that extends over four kilometers. Highlights include intercepts such as:

• 19 meters grading 1.1% copper starting at 32 meters depth
• 31 meters at 0.7% copper from surface level
• 17 meters at 1.1% copper from 18 meters depth

These findings validate the presence of continuous copper mineralization both laterally and at depth, underpinning the potential for a commercially viable open-pit operation. The mineralization occurs primarily as chalcopyrite within dolomite veins and hydrothermal breccias, concentrated in structural fold hinges associated with regional faulting.

Moreover, the company noted preliminary indications of secondary gold mineralization along the fault walls, which, if confirmed, could add further economic value to the project.

Next steps: Expanding exploration and development

Building on this successful initial phase, Royal Road plans to expand its geological understanding through advanced geophysical surveys and detailed structural mapping. These studies aim to define the extent of the mineralized zones, particularly toward the northeast, where initial data suggest a continuation of copper deposits at depth.

The company is also preparing for a second drilling campaign targeting these extensions to better estimate the total mineral resource and assess the feasibility of full-scale mining.

Tim Coughlin, CEO of Royal Road Minerals, expressed confidence in the project’s prospects, noting: “These results not only confirm the significant copper potential of Lalla Aziza but also reinforce Morocco’s standing as a strategic jurisdiction for mining investments amid growing global demand for critical metals.”

Economic and strategic implications

Copper remains a critical metal for the global transition to renewable energy and electrification, used extensively in electric vehicles, renewable power infrastructure, and electronics. Morocco’s rich geological landscape, especially in the Atlas Mountains, is becoming increasingly important to supply chains focused on sustainable and secure mineral sourcing.

This project could contribute meaningfully to Morocco’s mining sector diversification and economic development. The transition from a predominantly underground, artisanal mining operation to a modern open-pit mine would bring new investments, job opportunities, and infrastructure improvements in the High Atlas region.

Environmental and social considerations

Despite the positive outlook, some local stakeholders express caution regarding the expansion of foreign mining operations. Historically, resource extraction projects in mountainous and rural areas have sometimes fallen short of delivering sustainable benefits to local communities, particularly where social vulnerability and limited infrastructure prevail.

Royal Road has emphasized its commitment to responsible mining practices and plans to engage with local authorities and communities to ensure that development aligns with environmental standards and socio-economic needs.

Regulatory and financial framework

The acquisition option agreement between Royal Road and Carbomine includes staged payments totaling several million dollars, with an initial $1.5 million payment contingent upon regulatory approval of the license transfer. Subsequent annual payments and a 2.5% net smelter royalty on commercial production are also part of the terms.

The successful completion of a bankable feasibility study will be a critical milestone, allowing the company to secure the necessary financing for mine construction and operation.

The discovery and initial evaluation of the Lalla Aziza copper deposit mark an important milestone in Morocco’s mining sector, illustrating the country’s growing role as a key player in the global critical metals market. With further exploration and development planned, Lalla Aziza could become a flagship mining project that supports Morocco’s economic diversification and contributes to global sustainable metal supply chains.