Morocco’s Mining Regions: Complete Guide to Mineral Deposits

Morocco is one of Africa’s most important mining countries, thanks to its exceptional geological diversity and long-standing mining tradition. The country hosts a wide range of mineral resources, including phosphates, lead, zinc, copper, cobalt, silver, barite, fluorite, manganese, and iron ore. These resources are distributed across several well-defined mining regions, each with distinct geological characteristics and economic importance.

Supported by political stability, modern infrastructure, and proximity to European and global markets, Morocco has become a strategic hub for mineral extraction and export, serving industries such as fertilizers, construction, metallurgy, energy transition, and battery manufacturing.

At The3Rocks, we operate across these key regions to source the best materials for our clients.

1. Khouribga & Ouled Abdoun Basin – Phosphate Mining

The Khouribga region, located in central Morocco, is home to the Ouled Abdoun Basin, one of the largest phosphate deposits in the world. Morocco controls more than 70% of global phosphate reserves, making it a key supplier for the fertilizer industry.

Phosphate mining in this region is operated mainly by OCP Group, a world leader in phosphate production and processing. The extracted phosphate rock is transformed into phosphoric acid and fertilizers for export to Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Main minerals:

• Phosphate rock
• Phosphoric derivatives

References:

• OCP Group
• Mining Industry in Morocco

2. Drâa-Tafilalet Region – Lead, Zinc & Silver

The Drâa-Tafilalet region, including areas such as Midelt, Mibladen, Touissit, and Bou Azzer, is one of Morocco’s most important polymetallic mining zones. It is particularly rich in lead and zinc, often associated with silver.

Mining in this region dates back to the colonial era and continues today through both industrial operations and artisanal mining. Concentrates from Drâa-Tafilalet are widely exported to Europe and Asia for smelting.

Main minerals:

• Lead (Pb)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Silver (Ag)
• Barite

References:

• Critical and Strategic Metals in Morocco
• The 3 Rocks - Mining Regions

3. Tinghir & High Atlas – Copper Deposits

The High Atlas Mountains, especially around Tinghir and Ouarzazate, host important copper deposits, often associated with sedimentary and volcanic formations. These deposits are increasingly important due to copper’s critical role in electrical systems, renewable energy, and electric vehicles.

Moroccan copper production supports both domestic use and export markets, with growing interest from international investors.

Main minerals:

• Copper (Cu)
• Associated iron and manganese

References:

• Morocco Copper Projects
• World Mining Data

4. Anti-Atlas Belt – Copper, Cobalt & Strategic Metals

The Anti-Atlas region, stretching across southern Morocco, is one of the country’s most geologically complex and mineral-rich zones. It is especially known for copper and cobalt, particularly in the Bou Azzer district, which is one of the few primary cobalt-producing regions outside the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Cobalt from Morocco is considered highly strategic due to its use in lithium-ion batteries, aerospace alloys, and high-performance electronics.

Main minerals:

• Cobalt (Co)
• Copper (Cu)
• Nickel (Ni)
• Gold (Au)

References:

• Managem Group
• Morocco Cobalt Strategic Minerals

5. Midelt Region – Barite & Industrial Minerals

The Midelt region is internationally recognized for its high-quality barite, widely used in oil and gas drilling, chemical industries, and industrial applications. Morocco is among the world’s top exporters of barite.

In addition to barite, the region also contains lead, zinc, and fluorite deposits, making it a diversified industrial minerals hub.

Main minerals:

• Barite (BaSO₄)
• Lead (Pb)
• Zinc (Zn)
• Fluorite

References:

• USGS Minerals Information
• USGS Barite Statistics

6. Southern Morocco – Iron Ore & Manganese

Southern regions, including Tarfaya and areas near the Western Sahara, contain deposits of iron ore and manganese. While these resources are not yet fully exploited at large scale, they represent significant potential for future development.

Iron ore is mainly used for steel production, while manganese is essential in alloys and battery technologies.

Main minerals:

• Iron ore (Fe)
• Manganese (Mn)

References:

• World Steel Association
• Mining Review

7. Regulatory Framework & Mining Investment

Morocco’s mining sector is regulated by Mining Law No. 33-13, which promotes transparency, foreign investment, and environmental responsibility. Mining projects must comply with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and sustainable development standards.

The government actively supports exploration and value-added processing to reduce raw material exports and increase local beneficiation.

Reference:

• Ministry of Energy, Mines and Environment

Conclusion

Morocco’s mining regions represent a unique combination of geological richness, strategic minerals, and export readiness. From world-leading phosphate reserves to critical metals like cobalt and copper, the country plays a vital role in global supply chains.

With rising global demand for fertilizers, base metals, and battery materials, Morocco is well-positioned to strengthen its status as a reliable, diversified, and sustainable mining partner for international markets.

The3Rocks leverages this diversity to provide a reliable supply of minerals to the world.

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