Morocco unveils mining reform and digital permit system

Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali announced on Monday a set of measures to boost Morocco’s mining sector, focusing on safety reforms, digitalization, and investment.

A revised mining law is being prepared after the 2021 deaths of five miners, introducing a mining worker card and tougher penalties for negligence. The draft is set to be submitted to the Government Council.

The ministry has also launched a national digital mining registry, making over 40 administrative procedures fully online and accessible without intermediaries. Morocco currently has more than 6,000 mining permits, with the new system allowing investors to assess opportunities more easily.

In parallel, a public tender covering over 1.3 million hectares has been launched in the Tafilalet and Figuig mining regions, integrating sustainability standards and renewable energy use.

Benali also announced a national program to reassign more than 1,000 mining permits by 2026, with an initial phase already covering three regions and set to be published in the Official Gazette.