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Jerada Turns the Page on “Death Wells”: Launch of Restructuring the Mining Sector Opens New Horizons
The Jerada Prefecture is preparing to launch its first call for expressions of interest in the mining sector at the beginning of April 2026, a move described as pivotal for reorganizing mining activities in the region and putting an end to decades of haphazard coal mine exploitation. This initiative comes in the context of seeking a new model that balances natural resource investment with safety conditions after years of chaos that have characterized this vital sector.
This project is expected to mark the beginning of the implementation of the joint roadmap launched by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in partnership with the Prefecture in May 2025, aimed at a comprehensive restructuring of mining activities by 2030. This initiative aligns with Morocco’s significant transformations in energy and economic sectors, particularly towards enhancing good governance and attracting organized and sustainable investments.
Jerada, historically linked to coal production, has undergone profound changes since organized exploitation ceased in the early 2000s, prompting many residents to resort to traditional wells to extract coal under hazardous conditions. This situation has resulted in repeated human tragedies, with several workers losing their lives in what have come to be known locally as “death wells,” amidst a lack of legal and social protection.
Local stakeholders hope that this step will break with the past and usher in a new chapter characterized by organization and transparency, ensuring the dignity and safety of workers while revitalizing the region’s economic dynamism. The project is also expected to attract new players capable of developing the sector according to modern standards, transforming Jerada into a model for transitioning from an informal economy to a structured and sustainable one.
