Morocco to revise its mining code
The government of Morocco has announce it is revising its mining code. The Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development revealed the report and said the move aims to on streamlet licensing procedures, enhancing transparency, and ensuring environmental and social responsibility.
A key component of the reform is the establishment of a technical committee to oversee strategic and critical minerals, ensuring secure access to raw materials essential for industrial and technological development. The new legislation simplifies licensing procedures, allowing private companies to obtain permits to develop minerals without the need for prior exploration or exploitation permits.
The law emphasizes local employment, worker training, and the use of locally manufactured products. It mandates the rehabilitation of mining sites and requires companies to submit plans for environmental protection and social impact mitigation. Additionally, the bill introduces a robust national mining cadastre to enhance transparency and track licenses and concessions. It also strengthens penalties for illegal mining activities, including fines for unauthorized prospecting and exploitation.
National Development Model
To ensure ethical governance, the reform prohibits government officials involved in licensing from acquiring mining rights during their term of office. This comprehensive reform aligns with the objectives of Morocco’s National Development Model and reflects the directives of King Mohammed VI. By modernizing the mining sector, Morocco aims to unlock its full potential as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
The implementation of a national mining cadastre is a significant step toward enhancing transparency in the sector. A cadastral information system, such as the one developed by Morocco’s National Agency of Land Registry, Cadastre, and Cartography (ANCFCC), can support the monitoring and analysis of cadastral procedures, offering services like spatial data consultation and querying.
It’s important to note that while mining can boost local economies, its benefits can vary depending on governance structures. Research analyzing satellite imagery over four decades indicates that mining activities can significantly expand urban areas near mines. However, in autocratic regions, these economic gains may be limited and accompanied by an increased likelihood of conflict.
Morocco’s mining code reform seeks to address these challenges by promoting ethical governance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility, aiming for sustainable development in the mining sector.
