Morocco: reform of the mining code to attract investors

The Moroccan government is undertaking a complete overhaul of its mining code in order to modernise the sector, improve investment opportunities and ensure responsible management of resources. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, aims to simplify licensing procedures, increase transparency and ensure environmental and social responsibility.

The bill provides for the creation of a technical committee to oversee strategic and critical minerals, thus ensuring secure access to raw materials essential to industrial and technological development. The reform simplifies licensing procedures, allowing private companies to obtain permits to exploit minerals without the need for prior exploration or mining permits.

A robust national mining cadastre will be set up to improve transparency and track licences and concessions. The reform also strengthens penalties for illegal mining activities, with stiffer fines for unauthorised prospecting and exploitation.

The law places particular emphasis on local employment, worker training and the use of locally manufactured products. It also requires the rehabilitation of mining sites and obliges companies to submit environmental protection and social impact mitigation plans.

In addition, the reform prohibits civil servants involved in granting licences from acquiring mining rights during their term of office, thereby guaranteeing ethical and transparent governance within the sector.

This reform is in line with the objectives of Morocco's National Development Model and reflects the directives of King Mohammed VI. By modernising the mining sector, Morocco intends to exploit its full potential as a driver of economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.

The commitment of the government and stakeholders to the responsible and transparent exploitation of mineral resources marks a decisive step towards a more sustainable future for the Moroccan mineral industry.