Morocco Breaks Into Africa’s Gold Powerhouses With Discovery Of High-Grade Deposits
Morocco has taken a decisive step toward joining Africa’s leading gold producers after confirming the discovery of high-grade deposits that could reshape its mining industry and boost its role in the continent’s resource economy
The discovery of rich gold veins in Morocco’s southern region of Guelmim has injected fresh momentum into the country’s mining sector and elevated its profile on the continental 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.
Specialist platform Discovery Alert has described the discovery as “exceptional,” citing assay results from trench and shaft sampling that revealed gold concentrations between 6 grams per tonne and 30 grams per tonne.
By global standards, grades above 10 g/t are considered high-grade deposits, reflecting the world-class potential of this site.
This new find is now being regarded as one of the most promising gold discoveries in North Africa in recent years, opening opportunities for Morocco to expand its role in the region’s mining industry and attract fresh investment.
Although Morocco is not yet among Africa’s top 10 gold producers, it has carved out a role as a notable exporter.
OECD data shows that in 2023, Morocco exported $27.7 million worth of gold, ranking 120th globally and making it the country’s 133rd most exported product.
Key buyers included Turkey ($16.8M), Switzerland ($6.56M), Italy ($3.38M), the UAE ($1.04M), and Germany ($13.6K)
If confirmed through further exploration, the scale of the find could lift Morocco’s gold ranking in Africa, boost exports, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position in the continent’s mining industry.
The recent discovery of rich gold deposits in Guelmim marks a turning point for Morocco’s mining sector, strengthening its role as a notable exporter and positioning it for a potential rise among Africa’s leading producers.
According to Morocco World News, the gold-bearing quartz veins in Guelmim are classic hydrothermal deposits with features typical of epithermal to mesothermal systems, such as banded quartz, brecciation, and alteration halos.
The gold occurs both as free particles and with sulfide minerals, a structure that may allow easier recovery.
Current preliminary resource estimates suggest a potential of 3–5 million ounces of gold, a figure that would dwarf Morocco’s current annual output of just over 100 kilograms, produced at the Tiouit mine in Tinghir province.
“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.
