The revenue generated by the traditional mining sector exceeds 500 million dirhams.
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, informed the House of Representatives on Monday that the revenue from the traditional mining sector surpasses 500 million dirhams.
In response to an oral question concerning the “rehabilitation of traditional mining activities” posed by the Istiqlal Party, during the oral question session, Benali explained that the traditional mining sector plays an important economic role, with an annual production volume reaching approximately 600,000 tons, while employing thousands of workers, both in the formal and informal sectors.
The government official praised the crucial role played by miners, who work “in difficult conditions and carry out their tasks with dedication,” considering that the rehabilitation of this sector is central to the ministry’s vision aimed at achieving social justice by improving living conditions for workers and their families, and reducing social and regional disparities.
The minister highlighted that the traditional mining sector is governed by Law No. 74.15 concerning the mining area of Tafilalet and Figuig, which has now been opened to investment companies, under Law No. 33.13 concerning mining, which is currently under review.
In this context, Benali emphasized that this legal framework requires investors to conduct an environmental impact study and obtain environmental approval when converting an exploration license to an exploitation license, asserting that implementing these policies should not be viewed merely as a technical or investment effort, but as a sovereign choice aimed at achieving economic and social empowerment.
The minister announced the opening of new competitive offerings in 2025, related to the mining area of the Eastern High Atlas with lead and zinc deposits, where 179 parts will be offered, while 149 parts will be presented in the Tafilalet mining area with lead and zinc deposits.
