Morocco: A new frontier for copper exploration

Morocco is emerging as one of the most compelling 'new' mining jurisdictions globally, following a fundamental shift in its regulatory environment in 2016. The introduction of a new mining code transformed the sector, opening the door to international investors, junior explorers, and major mining companies alike. This regulatory reset has reshaped Morocco’s mining landscape, positioning the country as an attractive destination for responsible mineral development.

Talisman Metals PLC is among one of the latest entrants to Morocco’s revitalised mining sector, focused on the exploration and development of copper projects. The company’s decision to operate in Morocco reflects a broader industry recognition of the country’s unique combination of geological potential, political stability, and well-developed infrastructure. With established transport networks, access to ports, and a long-standing mining tradition, Morocco offers the regulatory environment and many of the conditions required to efficiently advance exploration projects toward development.

What makes Morocco particularly compelling for exploration companies is not only what has changed, but also what has not yet been done. Due to the fact that the modern regulatory framework has only been in place for a relatively short time, much of the country has seen limited contemporary exploration. As a result, Morocco hosts a variety of new exploration opportunities. Unlike more mature jurisdictions, where 'new' projects are often reworked historical prospects abandoned due to disappointing results or lack of capital, Morocco offers the chance to identify and advance fresh projects with modern techniques and new geological thinking.

Talisman’s copper assets exemplify this opportunity. The company is focused on sediment-hosted copper deposits, which generally carry a lower geological risk profile compared to other deposit types due to their more predictable “layer-cake” geology. At Fougnar, Talisman’s primary target area within the Tizert Project, the presence of visible outcropped mineralisation confirms the presence of copper, an important first hurdle in any exploration programme. Channel sampling has also returned encouraging copper grades at surface, indicating the potential for commerciality. The potential for mineralisation to extend down-dip remains untested, with the next steps being additional surface work followed by drilling to test continuity and depth potential.

The key remaining challenge and the primary focus for investors and industry observers is scale. Specifically, Talisman’s ongoing work aims to determine whether there is sufficient volume of mineralised material, and whether the copper-bearing sedimentary layers are thick enough to support bulk mining methods. For sediment-hosted copper deposits, thickness is critical. While these mineralised horizons often extend laterally, they can be relatively thin. A minimum thickness of approximately four metres is generally required to enable efficient bulk mining with modern equipment, while minimising dilution from waste material.

Equally important is the overall geometry of the deposit. Near-horizontal sedimentary layers are ideal, as they allow for simpler mine design and more efficient extraction. A continuous, flat-lying copper horizon of sufficient thickness can significantly enhance project economics and operational flexibility.

As exploration advances at Fougnar and the wider Tizert Project, Talisman Metals remains focused on answering these fundamental questions. In doing so, the company is not only advancing its own projects, but also contributing to the broader emergence of Morocco as a new and exciting frontier for copper exploration.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/special-reports/16022026/morocco-a-new-frontier-for-copper-exploration/