Casablanca – Zeus Resources, an Australian mining company, has expanded its operations with the addition of the Casablanca Antimony Project, located in central Morocco. This high-potential exploration site offers significant opportunities for the company in the growing antimony market, particularly for its applications in solar photovoltaics and military supply chains.

The Casablanca Antimony Project spans six exploration licenses covering a total area of 79 square kilometers. Situated 42 kilometers northeast of Khouribga and 115 kilometers southeast of Casablanca, the project is strategically located in a geologically rich region known for its high-grade antimony deposits. The site has shown promising historical assay results, including rock chip samples with antimony (Sb) grades reaching up to 61.9%, 44.5%, and 39.4%, underscoring its potential for further exploration.

Exploration potential

The project area is known for its massive stibnite mineralization, which has been confirmed through both historical and recent artisanal mining activities. The site features outcropping stibnite deposits, which are a key indicator of antimony presence, offering substantial potential for resource development. The exploration permits currently in place also authorize drilling, providing immediate opportunities for the company to advance its exploration work.

Zeus Resources plans to conduct further exploration, including drilling, geochemical analysis, and geological surveys, to assess the full potential of the project. The licenses are valid until March 2026, with the option to extend for an additional four years, providing ample time for exploration and development.

Strategic importance of antimony

Antimony is a critical mineral with growing geopolitical importance. It plays a vital role in a range of industrial applications, especially in the manufacturing of solar panels and military systems. Due to reduced production in China and ongoing export restrictions, the global market for antimony is experiencing significant supply constraints, driving up prices and creating a favorable market environment for producers outside of China.

Zeus Resources stands to benefit from these market trends as it taps into Morocco’s rich antimony resources. The country has been ranked as one of the best places for mining investment in Africa, coming in second overall and 12th globally, according to the 2023 Fraser Institute Survey. The Casablanca Antimony Project is located in the western Meseta region, which is known for its favorable geological conditions for the formation of antimony deposits. The presence of regional faults and shear zones in the area plays a key role in the formation of these deposits.

Support from local expertise

In addition to its technical expertise, Zeus Resources will benefit from the ongoing operational support provided by Ashgill Morocco Limited, a local partner with deep knowledge of the Moroccan mining sector. Ashgill Morocco, a subsidiary of Ashgill Australia Pty Ltd., has a strong track record in exploration across multiple regions, including Morocco, Australia, and Mongolia. This partnership ensures that Zeus Resources will have the necessary local insights and expertise to conduct efficient and successful exploration.

Morocco’s mining landscape

The Casablanca Antimony Project is situated in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region of Morocco, close to the provinces of Khouribga and Khénifra. This region is known for its rich mineral deposits and well-established mining infrastructure. The project’s location, with direct access via the R311 highway, allows for year-round accessibility, ensuring smooth operations for exploration teams.

Morocco’s favorable mining environment is also reflected in its position as one of the most attractive destinations for mining investment. The country boasts significant mineral resources, including substantial antimony deposits found in the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, as well as in the western Meseta region where the Casablanca Project is located. The geological conditions in this area are ideal for antimony mineralization, and the regional fault and shear zone structures contribute to the migration of mineralizing fluids, creating favorable conditions for the formation of exploitable deposits.

Looking ahead

With the Casablanca Antimony Project, Zeus Resources is positioning itself to become a key player in the global antimony market. The exploration potential at the site, coupled with Morocco’s status as a leading mining investment destination, provides Zeus with a strategic opportunity to expand its resource base and contribute to the growing demand for antimony.

The company is committed to advancing its exploration activities at Casablanca, with plans to conduct drilling and further geological analysis to fully assess the project’s potential. As exploration progresses, Zeus Resources aims to make significant strides in the development of Morocco’s antimony resources, enhancing its role in the global supply chain for this critical mineral.