Morocco has surged ahead in the global mining sector, securing 18th place in the 2024 Fraser Institute ranking of the most attractive mining jurisdictions—an impressive leap of nine spots from its previous position.
The influential Canadian think tank, known for its annual assessment of mining investment climates, evaluated 82 jurisdictions across the world.
Morocco’s ascent highlights its increasing appeal among investors seeking reliable sources of strategic minerals essential for the global energy transition.
The ranking is based on two core criteria: geological potential and investor perception of public policy. On both fronts, Morocco made significant gains.
With abundant resources including phosphates, cobalt, lead, zinc, and copper, the country continues to solidify its role in supplying key inputs for clean energy and industrial technologies.
A standout example is the Khouribga phosphate mine, managed by OCP Group, one of the world’s largest operations of its kind.
The site has recently seen a major sustainability boost through a 200 km desalination pipeline from Jorf Lasfar—an innovative infrastructure first on the continent.
Investor confidence in Morocco has also been buoyed by a relatively stable regulatory environment and pro-business reforms aimed at modernizing mining governance. According to the Fraser Institute, Morocco’s openness to foreign capital and legal predictability set it apart from most of its African peers.
Only Botswana, ranked 20th, joins Morocco in the upper tier of the list, while traditional players like Ghana (46th), the Democratic Republic of Congo (58th), and South Africa (68th) continue to struggle.
Nevertheless, challenges persist.
Industry players cite bureaucratic delays, slow permitting, and poor infrastructure in certain regions like Midelt and Tafilalet as ongoing barriers to full-scale development.
Despite these hurdles, Morocco’s upward momentum signals a strategic repositioning on the global mining map.
The country’s next steps will require enhanced infrastructure investment, streamlined administrative processes, and stronger support for small and medium-sized mining enterprises. If successful, Morocco could further consolidate its status as a critical hub in the global shift toward sustainable resource sourcing.
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