Morocco has unveiled a major public bidding round spanning 13,000 square kilometres, marking an intensified effort to draw international capital into its extractive industries.
In an announcement from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, prospective operators were called to compete for 361 prospecting permits situated in the country’s southeast, close to the border with Algeria.
The designated zone falls within the resource-abundant Tafilalet and Figuig mining belt, recognised for deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and barite.
Identified as APC No. 1/DGMH/2026, the offering accounts for an estimated 22 to 25 percent of the wider geological basin, highlighting the substantial scale of terrain now accessible to exploration firms.
Authorities indicated that applications will be assessed under an enhanced evaluation framework that considers not only technical expertise and financial capacity but also environmental stewardship and community impact. Responsible management of water and power consumption will form a key part of the review.
Preference will be given to proposals that integrate sustainable extraction methods, including circular-economy approaches, renewable power solutions and energy storage systems.
The ministry noted that the bidding procedure is consistent with the Africa-centred ESG standards endorsed during the Morocco International Mining Congress & Exhibition held in Marrakech in November 2025.
Companies seeking participation are required to file submissions by 15 May 2026 at regional offices in Errachidia for ventures in Drâa-Tafilalet, or in Oujda for projects located in the Oriental region.
Officials added that all activities will operate under Morocco’s mining legislation, which aims to strengthen governance, encourage transparency and promote sustainable resource management.