Is the Mont Tropic underwater lithium deposit a threat to Morocco?

The Mont Tropic underwater lithium deposit, located near the border with Mauritania and the Canary Islands, is believed to be one of the largest strategic mineral reserves in Africa. Exploiting it would require mining groups prepared to take high geopolitical and environmental risks, even if these would necessarily be shared with Moroccan groups.

Should Morocco lift the moratorium on underwater mining?

At the last International Seabed Authority (ISA) conference in Kingston, Jamaica from 24 to 28 July, Morocco was one of the African states most in favour of lifting the moratorium on underwater mining. A sign that the kingdom is interested in developing these strategic metal deposits off its southern coast.

Who owns the Moroccan subsoil?

Until now, two local giants have reigned unchallenged over the Moroccan subsoil: OCP Group, the phosphates giant, which is 95% state owned, and Managem, a subsidiary of the royal holding company Al Mada, which produces gold, silver, cobalt, copper, zinc and lead, and is headed by Imad Toumi.

Is Morocco's geological wealth a secret?

"Morocco's geological wealth is a well-kept secret," he says with satisfaction. And La Salle, a leading light in Canada's extractive scene, plans to keep making the most of it. The Québécois first made a name for himself in West African gold with Semafo, which Endeavour Mining bought for €640m in March 2020.

Does the Moroccan subsoil contain cobalt?

The Canadian and his compatriot Marc-Antoine Audet - a geologist who has accompanied him on his West African adventures over the past decade (AI, 23/03/22) - are convinced that the Moroccan subsoil harbours many strategic metals, not just the cobalt mined from Bou Azzer, which Managem operates.