New Mining Code: Putting Morocco on the International Map
16 December 2014
Read by 1628 persons
"The new mining code aims to put Morocco on the international mining map," affirmed Abdelkader Amara
The main objective of the new mining code is to put Morocco on the international mining map and position it on international radars, affirmed the Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment, Abdelkader Amara.
"To achieve this objective, we need substantial investments that will generate significant capital movement and create jobs," explained Abdelkader Amara in an interview with MAP.
Thus, the turnover of the mining sector should reach 15 billion dirhams (MMDH) in the coming years instead of 5 MMDH currently, while the investment volume for research would increase from 400 million dirhams to 4 MMDH, estimates the minister.
"This would also irrigate the remote areas of our country and create an entire economic dynamic, particularly in terms of consulting services, job creation, training and technology transfer," added Abdelkader Amara.
The new mining code also aims to attract investment, while ensuring that the interests and achievements of artisanal miners already in operation at the Purchasing and Development Center of the Tafilalet and Figuig mining zone called "Cadetaf", which covers 60,000 km2 but remains almost 100% dominated by artisanal mining, are maintained, stressed the minister, calling on artisans from other areas to group together into SMEs or cooperatives to be able to exploit mining licenses and permits.
This law aims to be a code that will address the problems posed by this activity, which remains embryonic, through a participatory approach with partners and other ministerial departments, he noted.
"The mapping of our geology does not exceed 36 pc," regretted Abdelkader Amara, noting the creation of a new geology department within the ministry.
Another novelty: the introduction of new mining titles, namely the exploration authorization which offers investors the possibility of developing research programs over large areas.
"Currently, exploration distances cannot exceed 100 km2, while with the new code we could be at 2,400 km2, which will allow investors to use developed means, including airborne exploration," welcomed the minister.
This authorization, which may cover areas covered or not covered by a prospecting permit or an exploitation license, is granted for a period of two years, he specified.
Abdelkader Amara stated that "the mining permit or title" granted to prospectors will now encompass all minerals, and not just one category, as is the case in the code still in force, which will give visibility to investors.
He also noted the extension of the code to industrial rocks and minerals other than those used in construction and to mineralogical specimens and the introduction of new authorizations for the exploitation of underground cavities intended for natural gas storage and for the exploitation of mine dumps and spoil heaps, while emphasizing the environmental aspect, particularly the future of post-mining.
To attract more investment in the mining sector, which generates a turnover excluding phosphates of 5 MMDH and creates nearly 15,000 jobs, the ministry has developed a new mining code, currently under review in parliament.
Mining activity is 90% phosphate-based. It accounts for 30% of exports, about 10% of GDP and creates 40,000 jobs.
In phosphates, Morocco has come a long way, moving from the extraction and export of raw phosphates to the upgrading of products, such as phosphate fertilizers.
Lematin.ma
Published on December 15, 2014.
Posted online on December 16, 2014.
The main objective of the new mining code is to put Morocco on the international mining map and position it on international radars, affirmed the Minister of Energy, Mines, Water and Environment, Abdelkader Amara.
"To achieve this objective, we need substantial investments that will generate significant capital movement and create jobs," explained Abdelkader Amara in an interview with MAP.
Thus, the turnover of the mining sector should reach 15 billion dirhams (MMDH) in the coming years instead of 5 MMDH currently, while the investment volume for research would increase from 400 million dirhams to 4 MMDH, estimates the minister.
"This would also irrigate the remote areas of our country and create an entire economic dynamic, particularly in terms of consulting services, job creation, training and technology transfer," added Abdelkader Amara.
The new mining code also aims to attract investment, while ensuring that the interests and achievements of artisanal miners already in operation at the Purchasing and Development Center of the Tafilalet and Figuig mining zone called "Cadetaf", which covers 60,000 km2 but remains almost 100% dominated by artisanal mining, are maintained, stressed the minister, calling on artisans from other areas to group together into SMEs or cooperatives to be able to exploit mining licenses and permits.
This law aims to be a code that will address the problems posed by this activity, which remains embryonic, through a participatory approach with partners and other ministerial departments, he noted.
"The mapping of our geology does not exceed 36 pc," regretted Abdelkader Amara, noting the creation of a new geology department within the ministry.
Another novelty: the introduction of new mining titles, namely the exploration authorization which offers investors the possibility of developing research programs over large areas.
"Currently, exploration distances cannot exceed 100 km2, while with the new code we could be at 2,400 km2, which will allow investors to use developed means, including airborne exploration," welcomed the minister.
This authorization, which may cover areas covered or not covered by a prospecting permit or an exploitation license, is granted for a period of two years, he specified.
Abdelkader Amara stated that "the mining permit or title" granted to prospectors will now encompass all minerals, and not just one category, as is the case in the code still in force, which will give visibility to investors.
He also noted the extension of the code to industrial rocks and minerals other than those used in construction and to mineralogical specimens and the introduction of new authorizations for the exploitation of underground cavities intended for natural gas storage and for the exploitation of mine dumps and spoil heaps, while emphasizing the environmental aspect, particularly the future of post-mining.
To attract more investment in the mining sector, which generates a turnover excluding phosphates of 5 MMDH and creates nearly 15,000 jobs, the ministry has developed a new mining code, currently under review in parliament.
Mining activity is 90% phosphate-based. It accounts for 30% of exports, about 10% of GDP and creates 40,000 jobs.
In phosphates, Morocco has come a long way, moving from the extraction and export of raw phosphates to the upgrading of products, such as phosphate fertilizers.
Lematin.ma
Published on December 15, 2014.
Posted online on December 16, 2014.
