Morocco targets gold and copper investors with 13,000 sq km mining exploration

Morocco has launched a major mining tender covering 13,000 square kilometres near the Algerian border, offering 361 exploration blocks rich in gold, copper and other base metals as the kingdom pushes to attract global investment into its mineral sector. The tender, referenced as APC No. 1/DGMH/2026, targets acreage within the Tafilalet and Figuig Mining Region — an area known for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and barite deposits — and represents roughly 22 to 25 percent of the broader mining basin. Applications from international mining firms are due by 15 May 2026.

Direct quote

"The ministry stressed that project selection will follow a strengthened multi-criteria evaluation system that weighs technical capability alongside financial strength and social and environmental performance," the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development said in its notice announcing the tender.

Details and context

The ministry's notice instructs interested firms to submit their bids to regional directorates in Errachidia for projects in the Drâa‑Tafilalet region, or to Oujda for projects in the Oriental region. Authorities say the selection process will place heightened emphasis on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and the efficient use of water and energy resources.

• Tender reference: APC No. 1/DGMH/2026
• Acreage: 13,000 square kilometres
• Exploration blocks: 361
• Deadline: 15 May 2026
• Regions: Tafilalet and Figuig Mining Region (Drâa‑Tafilalet and Oriental administrative regions)
• Minerals noted: gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, barite

Moroccan officials said additional incentives will favour companies proposing integrated, sustainable mining models, particularly those incorporating circular‑economy practices, renewable energy, and storage technologies. The tender process, they added, will align with an Africa‑focused ESG framework adopted at the Morocco International Mining Congress & Exhibition held in Marrakech in November 2025.

Beyond the technical and financial credentials of bidders, the ministry highlighted that "efficient use of water and energy resources will be closely scrutinised." The emphasis on resource efficiency and ESG criteria signals an attempt to couple exploration activity with sustainability benchmarks and greater transparency under national mining laws, which authorities say are designed to improve oversight and responsible resource development.

Outlook

The rollout of this large‑scale tender positions Morocco to capture interest from global mining firms seeking new gold and copper opportunities in North Africa. By allocating roughly a quarter of the relevant mining basin to competitive exploration blocks, the government is opening a significant swath of prospective ground while linking access to stricter environmental and social performance standards.

How quickly blocks move from exploration to development will depend on the outcomes of the multi‑criteria evaluation and the ability of bidders to demonstrate both technical capacity and sustainable operational plans. With applications due in mid‑May, Morocco's approach will be watched closely by investors weighing projects that must meet evolving ESG expectations as well as traditional geological and financial metrics.

Reporting for this article: Segun Adeyemi, Business Insider Africa.