Rabat – Morocco has opened the door for investment in mineral extraction across a vast area in the eastern part of the country and set clear environmental and development conditions for companies that want to compete for these projects.
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development announced a public call for competition covering 361 exploration blocks. For the first time, the offer includes a large area of about 13,000 square kilometers (around 1.3 million hectares). This represents 22% of the total mining area of Tafilalet and Figuig.
The new initiative allows large and medium-sized companies to apply for mining rights in wide areas of Tafilalet and Figuig. However, the ministry has set strict requirements. Companies must protect the environment, use renewable energy, and support local development in the region.
The area is rich in important minerals, including gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and barite, along with other mineral resources. The government says the new approach aims to make better use of these natural resources while ensuring responsible and sustainable development.
The public call includes four main measures. First, a multi-criteria evaluation system will be used. This means that applications will be assessed based not only on technical and financial capacity, but also on local socio-economic impact and respect for health and safety standards.
Second, the ministry wants to promote efficient use of land and natural resources, especially water and energy. It encouraged companies to use renewable energy and adopt circular economy practices to reduce waste and reuse materials.
Third, additional incentives will be given to proposals that present an integrated sustainable mining model. This includes combining renewable energy, circular economy principles, and storage and value-added technologies.
Fourth, the initiative activates the Marrakech Declaration of November 24, 2025, adopted during the International Mining Conference in Morocco. The declaration focuses on environmental protection, social responsibility, and good governance (ESG principles).
According to the ministry, this move follows consultations with different stakeholders and confirms Morocco’s commitment to sustainable and responsible mining. The goal is to boost economic and social development in the Tafilalet and Figuig mining region while making the best use of national mineral resources.
The ministry says that interested companies must submit their applications before May 15, at 4:30 p.m. Applications should be filed with the regional directorate of the Energy Transition sector in Errachidia for blocks located in the Drâa-Tafilalet region, or in Oujda for blocks located in the Oriental region.
