Morocco has moved closer to joining Africa’s gold powerhouses following the confirmation of high-grade deposits that could reshape its mining industry and expand its role in the continent’s resource economy.
The discovery of rich gold veins in the southern region of Guelmim has injected new momentum into Morocco’s mining sector and raised its profile on the African stage.
Mining company OLAH Palace Trading confirmed the find, reporting significant gold deposits within quartz veins at its Guelmim project site, according to African Mining Market.
Fieldwork conducted by qualified mining professionals has so far identified 34 quartz veins with exceptionally high gold content spread across the permit area.
Discovery Alert, a specialist platform, described the results as “exceptional,” citing trench and shaft sampling that revealed gold concentrations ranging from 6 grams per tonne to 30 grams per tonne.
By global standards, grades above 10 g/t are considered high-grade deposits, underscoring the world-class potential of the site.
The find is already being regarded as one of the most promising gold discoveries in North Africa in recent years, opening opportunities for Morocco to expand its mining role and attract new investment.
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Although Morocco is not yet among Africa’s top 10 gold producers, it has established itself as a notable exporter.
OECD data shows that in 2023, the country exported $27.7 million worth of gold, ranking 120th globally and making it its 133rd most exported product.
Turkey was the largest buyer with $16.8 million, followed by Switzerland ($6.56 million), Italy ($3.38 million), the UAE ($1.04 million), and Germany ($13,600).
If confirmed through further exploration, the scale of the Guelmim find could significantly improve Morocco’s standing in Africa’s gold sector, increase exports, attract investment, and strengthen its position in the mining industry.
Preliminary resource estimates suggest a potential of three to five million ounces of gold, far surpassing Morocco’s current annual production of just over 100 kilograms, sourced mainly from the Tiouit mine in Tinghir province.
According to Morocco World News, the gold-bearing quartz veins in Guelmim are classic hydrothermal deposits with characteristics typical of epithermal to mesothermal systems, such as banded quartz, brecciation, and alteration halos.
The gold is present both as free particles and alongside sulfide minerals, a structure that could allow for easier recovery.
“These discoveries validate what we’ve long believed about Morocco’s untapped resources,” said Odai Nabut, Head of Business Development at OLAH Palace Trading.
The company has emphasized a strategy focused on building long-term value through responsible development practices and strategic partnerships.
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Image Credit: Morocco World News
