Leila Benali Reveals Reform Strategy for the Mining Sector and New Policies to Strengthen Economic Sovereignty
The Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, presented a comprehensive vision for reforming the mining sector, noting that achieving spatial justice, as outlined in the High Royal Directives, serves as the guiding principle for this strategic endeavor. During a session of oral questions in the House of Representatives, the minister highlighted that this vital sector contributes approximately 10% of GDP, 20% of the national export value, and provides over 40,000 direct jobs.
In her outline of the reform features, Benali noted that the sector is based on three major pillars: phosphates, where Morocco holds a leading global position; the non-phosphate mining activities, which are expanding significantly thanks to the efforts of the ministry and its partners; and traditional mining operations, which retain considerable social importance in several regions.
The minister addressed the humanitarian aspect concerning worker safety, recalling that the first incident she encountered upon taking office was the death of five miners. This made the safety of workers a top priority. Consequently, the draft law 33.13 was withdrawn in 2021 to be restructured under a new approach that centers on worker safety and rights, alongside the introduction of a mining worker card to provide clear social guarantees.
She added that the amendment of the law through draft bill 72.24 is ready and includes simplification of procedures, the establishment of a National Strategic Minerals Committee, and strengthening local content to create added internal value. Furthermore, she announced draft bill 65.24, which aims to transform the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines into a joint-stock company, in a bid to improve governance, diversify funding sources, and boost research and exploration activities.
Regarding traditional mining activities in Tafilalet and Figuig, Benali emphasized that the third board meeting of the “Kadi Taf” institution represented a turning point in managing this sector, with a new vision launched to reform the legal framework and establish a steering committee. Her visit to the region allowed her to physically assess the challenges facing miners before signing an agreement aimed at developing infrastructure, enhancing research and exploration, and creating industrial zones dedicated to the sector, which could later become free zones, with the potential to replicate the experience in southern regions.
The minister also discussed the situation in the Jerada region, stating it remains a significant part of national memory due to its historical sacrifices in building the energy system. In this regard, she announced a new plan to restructure mining activities through a digital platform connecting coal miners directly to the national market to ensure stable income and a clear legal pathway.
In the context of digitizing the sector, Benali revealed that the national digital mining registry is set to be launched in the first quarter of 2026, incorporating over forty administrative procedures, which will help simplify processes, enhance transparency, and improve mineral resource management.
The minister affirmed that Morocco is currently experiencing a broad reform dynamic within the mining sector, adopting a participatory approach that includes various stakeholders, focusing on optimizing resources, and strengthening the processing industry as a fundamental lever for achieving national economic sovereignty. She noted that last week saw the presentation of the “Marrakech Declaration,” an initiative aimed at valuing high-value minerals.
In conclusion, Benali stressed that the future of the mining industry is linked to developing infrastructure, including ports, roads, and pipelines, especially projects at the Nador port and associated logistics platforms. She asserted that these accumulated reforms position Morocco on the brink of a new phase that enhances its status as a regional mining player capable of creating wealth and job opportunities.
