Morocco has launched a major tender for 361 exploration blocks spanning roughly 13,000 square kilometers in the mineral-rich Tafilalet and Figuig region near the Algerian border, an area abundant in gold, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. Officials say the tender covers up to a quarter of the broader mining basin, signaling a major push to expand the sector. However, Morocco isn’t just chasing extraction—it’s demanding responsibility. Companies will be evaluated on environmental performance, water and energy efficiency, and commitment to circular-economy practices. With a May 2026 application deadline and an Africa-focused ESG framework guiding the process, Morocco is signaling that the future of African mining must be both profitable and principled.
Business Insider
