Summary:

On 16 February 2026, Morocco published a major mining tender covering 13,000 square kilometers in the southeast near the Algerian border, with a focus on exploiting known gold, copper, and other base metal deposits.  

The tender, issued by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, is intended to attract global mining investors and encourage sustainable development in the mineral-rich Tafilalet and Figuig regions.  

Applications for the 361 exploration blocks are due by 15 May 2026, with project selection guided by reinforced ESG, technical, and financial criteria.  

Additional incentives are being provided for companies proposing integrated, renewable-energy-based, and circular-economy mining models. 

Outlook: 

This latest initiative is another win for Morocco’s positioning as a regional mining and export hub that is actively courting international investors while reinforcing local economic development.  

The tender is likely to encourage responsible resource exploitation and foster job creation in historically underdeveloped regions where many Moroccans continue to struggle with underemployment.  

This momentum is underpinned by Morocco’s long-standing mining heritage, favorable geology, and alignment with global trends toward sustainable and diversified mineral investment. The current focus of US policy on critical minerals will likely spur additional focused interest from Western investors.

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.