Ministers and senior officials participating in the first International Mining Congress of Morocco (IMC Morocco 2024), held Tuesday and Wednesday in Marrakech, emphasized that the Kingdom is positioning itself as a preferred African hub in the mining sector.
The various interventions that marked the proceedings of this event highlighted that Morocco, which enjoys a mining culture of over a century, a strategic geographical position, developed logistical infrastructure, and advanced and innovative technologies, is capable of fully managing the mining value chain, from extraction to processing, according to the conclusions shared at the end of this first edition.
During this meeting, participants unanimously praised the advancement of the mining sector in Morocco, considering it a model of governance and development thanks to the political stability of the Kingdom, its attractive legal framework, and its multiple free trade agreements that encourage foreign investment.
This congress, the conclusions of this conclave emphasize, demonstrated that Morocco, thanks to its clear vision, strategic resources, and commitment to innovation and sustainability, has the necessary assets to be a global hub for the sustainable mining industry in service of the energy transition.
Moreover, the congress addressed the issue of the availability of sources of critical and strategic metals, such as copper, cobalt, and rare earths, which are essential for the global energy transition.
In this context, particular focus was placed on the still untapped potential of the Southern provinces of the Kingdom, as well as in several African countries, representing a major opportunity to enhance the portfolio of mining resources for essential metals for the energy transition.
During the discussions, there was an emphasis on the need to practice sustainable mining in service of the energy transition by adopting environmentally friendly operating models and developing local communities, while integrating solutions in the fields of water management, energy, and waste recycling.
Speakers during the various panels also stressed the importance of adapting laws and regulations to ensure strict environmental protection while remaining attractive to investors in the mining sector, and continuously developing human capital that can meet all future requirements for a high-performing and sustainable mining industry.
Under the theme “Morocco as a global hub for a sustainable mining industry in service of the energy transition,” IMC Morocco provided a unique opportunity to discover the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable mining practices and to gain valuable insights into Morocco’s operational practices as well as its future development strategies.
Organized by the Federation of Industrial Minerals of Morocco (FDIM), with the support of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and AMDIE, this congress saw the participation of government officials, representatives from exploration and production companies, mining service companies, energy suppliers, legal and financial experts, and advisors in environment, education, and training.