فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The specialized site “Discovery Alert” announced a significant discovery of gold ore in the Guelmim region, which could represent a major breakthrough for Morocco on the global gold map. According to this Australian source, 34 quartz veins with very high gold content have been identified, with gold concentrations ranging between 3 and 300 grams per ton—levels that far exceed typical economic thresholds.
This discovery is based on a comprehensive exploration program combining geological mapping, targeted trenches, and sampling from deep rock layers beneath the altered surface zone, revealing high-quality and promising raw materials. The mine is classified as a high-potential vein-type deposit, with gold veins structurally aligned with the unique hydrothermal formations of the Anti-Atlas region.
The mine’s development coincides with a challenging environmental context, as Guelmim is located in a semi-arid area that requires careful management of limited water resources. Therefore, the exploitation plans rely on modern techniques including water recycling, dust and emission reduction, and the gradual rehabilitation of mining-affected areas. Additionally, the abundant solar energy available in the region offers opportunities for integrating renewable energy, such as photovoltaic units, to power mining operations, reinforcing the project’s sustainability.
On the social front, the project is expected to create both direct and indirect employment, contribute to developing local skills, improve infrastructure, and launch community initiatives within a corporate social responsibility framework. Obtaining a “social license to operate” is thus an essential prerequisite for the sustainable continuation of mining activities.
The same source notes that high-grade deposits like the one in Guelmim allow for a phased extraction strategy, starting with the richest zones to shorten the usually lengthy period between discovery and production, which often spans five to ten years. Upcoming steps include drilling campaigns to model the three-dimensional gold distribution, metallurgical studies to optimize recovery rates, and environmental assessments to ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.
This discovery comes amid growing global interest in critical minerals, enhancing Morocco’s position as a stable mining destination aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. If future estimates are confirmed, Morocco is expected to emerge as a key player in the continental mining industry, competing alongside countries like Egypt with a long-standing history in gold production.
In summary, the Guelmim mine represents a strategic discovery that reshapes the landscape of Morocco’s mining sector, opens new horizons for investment and economic development, and strengthens the national ambition to become an influential gold producer on the African and global stage.
