Coal mining in Jerada, first active in the 1930's, has made of it a hub for workers. Engaged in trade unionist activities, miners have led to the creation of the UMT, one of the oldest trade unions in Morocco. Flashback.
In 1948, Morocco reacted to the creation of Israel in the person of Sultan Mohammed ben Youssef. In a statement, the Sultan called Moroccans to respect the Jewish community all while condemning the situation in Palestine.
Unable to increase production, Charbonnage du Maroc, assigned the extraction of coal in the city of Jerada, closed its doors leaving behind hundreds of unemployed miners. To survive, some of them left and others stayed only to struggle with the economic hindrances the city faces. Jerada, Morocco’s former coal-mining hub and the economic and demographic challenges behind the closure of mines.