Mining
From The Report: Morocco 2013
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With a new set of laws set to be passed in 2013 to replace the existing mining code, the government is seeking to open the sector to additional foreign investment and offer more concessions to extract and process the country’s mineral wealth. Phosphates mining accounted for 92.7% of the sector’s total production in 2011. Other mineral resources include gold, silver, barite, cobalt, copper, manganese, tin, fluorspar, iron, lead and salt. A major investment programme worth €91bn is hoped to expand phosphate production capacity and attract investor attention to opportunities in mining both phosphates and other minerals.

This chapter includes an interview with Mustapha Terrab, CEO, OCP Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Out with the old: The state is implementing a new investor-friendly code to diversify production beyond just phosphates
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With the government expected to pass a new set of laws in 2013 that will replace the current 62-year-old mining code, Morocco is making a bid to spur new investments throughout the North African kingdom’s currently under-exploited mining sector. In the past, mining remained a relatively closed sector in a generally open economy (see analysis). The new mining code, however, aims to end this situation and promote greater foreign investment. Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines…

Interview

OBG talks to Mostafa Terrab, Chairman & CEO, OCP Group
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Interview: Mostafa Terrab How can phosphates processing be increased? MOSTAFA TERRAB: One of the most important elements of OCP's transition from a state office to a corporation is that our shareholder, the state of Morocco, has made a strong commitment to a dividend policy enabling a long-term investment plan that emphasises value creation, both for the company and the environment it operates in. This paves the way for us to invest in the production capacity and infrastructure necessary to enhance…

Analysis

In a strong position: Phosphates continue to lead the sector
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Like most sectors, the mining industry is sensitive to changing economic conditions, with its overall performance fluctuating significantly as demand from China and elsewhere tightens and regulatory burdens become more onerous. But despite this short-term volatility, the trend for phosphate prices is likely to be more stable in the longer run due to positive long-term fundamentals. Phosphates are used to make phosphoric acid and fertilisers, meaning that the demand for phosphates will only…

Analysis

A long wait: The new mining code should bring about big changes
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For at least 20 years, there has been talk about how modern laws would turn Morocco’s mining industry around. This now looks increasingly like reality. Authorities say the kingdom’s 62-year-old mining code could finally be retired in 2013. Industry players and authorities agree that its longevity has stifled investment in a kingdom historically famed for its soil’s riches. The Phoenicians, the Romans and, much later, the Portuguese came to Morocco to mine for such minerals and metals as…