Morocco’s Mining Outlook: A Reformed Framework, a Promising Frontier

Morocco has undertaken a bold reform of its mining framework to position itself as a competitive and attractive destination for global mineral investment. This article outlines the key features of the new regulatory, fiscal, and licensing environment, highlights ESG and institutional improvements. It also proposes strategic recommendations to strengthen digital governance, support local exploration, and align with global sustainability standards—paving the way for Morocco to become a leading mining hub in the Arab and African regions.

Introduction: From Reform to Opportunity

Morocco has set ambitious objectives to triple the value of its mining sector (excluding phosphates) by 2025 and become a regional hub for responsible mineral development. A series of legal, regulatory, and institutional reforms since 2015 have positioned the country as a jurisdiction of choice for investors seeking both geological prospectivity and administrative clarity.

With a mining tradition spanning a century, Morocco is now transitioning to a new era of modern mining governance, balancing investor incentives with environmental and social accountability. This report highlights the most recent improvements in the regulatory environment and identifies opportunities that make Morocco an increasingly attractive destination for global mining capital.

1. A Modern Legal and Licensing Framework

The enactment of Law 33-13 in 2015 was a watershed moment for Morocco’s mining sector. This law replaced colonial-era provisions and introduced a simplified, investor-friendly regime centered on transparency, competitiveness, and scalability. It was further reinforced by Decree 2-15-807 (2016), which defined the terms and conditions for obtaining and renewing mining titles.

Three categories of permits are now granted under a unified framework:

Additional strengths of the current framework:

• No local ownership requirement,
• 100% foreign ownership permitted,
• No royalty on mineral revenues,
• Free repatriation of profits and capital,
• Simplified environmental impact assessments under Law 12-03.

Morocco is also a signatory to key international investment treaties and has established 17 regional Centers for Investment to support investors.

2. Taxation and Institutional Support

Morocco’s tax regime for mining is among the most competitive in Africa:

• Corporate tax: 17.5% on export profits (lower than standard rate of 31%)
• VAT: Refundable on exports
• No government royalty: on extracted minerals
• Custom duties: Exemptions available on imported mining equipment

The country’s national agency, ONHYM (Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines), plays a proactive role in promoting and de-risking exploration projects by partnering with international firms and offering access to public geological data.

Projects like Tizert (copper), Zgounder (silver), Boumadine (gold-polymetallic), and Khemisset (potash) demonstrate the increasing maturity and diversification of Morocco’s mining sector.

3. Toward Sustainable and Responsible Mining

Environmental and social governance (ESG) is increasingly embedded in Morocco’s mining reforms. Key developments include:

• Mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) under Law 12-03
• Introduction of mine closure plans as a condition for new licenses (pending implementation decree)
• Initiatives to upgrade artisanal mining zones (CADETAF) to ensure traceability and transition to formal mining
• Growing number of CSR initiatives led by private operators, particularly in health, education, and local infrastructure

The World Bank has supported Morocco’s mining reform process, notably through the PRISM project, which encourages the inclusion of sustainability and transparency benchmarks.

4. Next Steps: Strengthening the Mining Ecosystem

Despite clear progress, several actions are still needed to maximize the sector’s potential and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth:

✅ Strengthen Digital Infrastructure

• Create a unified online mining cadastrefor real-time permit/license visibility,
• Accelerate regional geological mapping and data acquisition.

✅ Establish National Reporting Standards

• Adopt mineral resource and reserve standardsaligned with CRIRSCO
• Build national capacity for Qualified Persons(QP/QPM) accreditation

✅ Support Exploration and Junior Mining

• Provide fiscal incentivesfor early-stage exploration
• Promote public-private R&D partnershipsin metallurgy, AI, and geoscience

✅ Develop Trading Infrastructure

• Establish a metals trading platformto improve market access and transparency
• Link mining outputs with industrial supply chains(batteries, fertilizers, alloys)

✅ Encourage ESG and Climate Innovation

• Support low-carbon mining practices(renewable-powered operations)
• Incentivize ESG audits and voluntary sustainability disclosures

✅ Improve Regulatory Monitoring and Performance Measurement

• Define sector KPIs(employment, local procurement, emissions)
• Develop public dashboardsto track impact and performance.

Conclusion: Morocco Comes of Age

Morocco is consolidating its position as a modern, investment-ready mining jurisdiction. Its improved legal framework, transparent permitting system, and investor-friendly fiscal regime offer a strong foundation. With targeted reforms to digital infrastructure, ESG integration, and exploration support, the country can unlock its full mineral potential.

Strategic investors seeking diversification, jurisdictional stability, and long-term returns should take a closer look at Morocco’s evolving mining landscape.

By Yassine Belkabir, Managing Director of the African Bureau of Mining Consultants

 Phone : +212 (0) 520 312 808 

Mail : Contact@abminingconsultants.com

Site internet : www.abminingconsultants.com