03 · STRATEGY
Legal Framework & Investment Terms
Morocco provides a clear and stable mining framework designed to support exploration, development and long-term investment — with ONHYM acting as a technical and institutional partner for investors.
A PREMIER MINING DESTINATION
Mining Code
Morocco offers one of the most attractive mining environments in Africa,
combining geological potential, political stability, modern infrastructure,
and a business-friendly investment climate.
LAW N° 33-13
Adopted July 2015
Entered into force 23 May 2016, replacing the 1951 regulations.
OFFICIAL BULLETIN
N° 6384 • 6 August 2015
Comprising 122 articles.
Main provisions
01 — Extended scope
The Mining Code covers all mineral substances intended for industrial use, excluding construction and civil engineering materials. It establishes a modern legal framework that encourages responsible exploration, investment, and sustainable mineral development.
02 — Exploration authorisation
An Exploration Authorisation grants the right to conduct preliminary geological investigations and reconnaissance activities over a defined area. It facilitates early-stage assessment of mineral potential while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
03 — Research permit
The Research Permit authorises detailed exploration activities, including geological mapping, geophysical and geochemical surveys, trenching, and drilling. It provides exclusive exploration rights within the permit area for a defined period, subject to renewal.
04 — Mining licence
A Mining Licence grants the exclusive right to develop and exploit a mineral deposit following the successful completion of exploration and the approval of the required technical, environmental, and financial documentation.
05 — Environmental & new measures
The Mining Code integrates environmental protection, mine rehabilitation, and sustainable resource management principles. It also introduces modern governance measures designed to enhance transparency, investment security, and responsible mining practices.
Why Partner With ONHYM
Types of Mining Titles
Three title types govern exploration, research and exploitation.
|
TITLE
|
AREA
|
DURATION
|
RENEWAL
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Exploration Authorisation
|
100–600 km²
|
2 years
|
Once, same period
|
|
Research Permit
|
16 km² (4×4 km)
|
3 years
|
Once for 4 years
|
|
Mining Licence (Exploitation)
|
≤ research permit area; min 1 km²
|
10 years
|
Successive 10-year periods
|
Works obligations
Works must commence within 1 year of the permit grant.
Works opening statement
A works opening statement is made to the Regional Directorate and local authorities.
How to Invest
A transparent investor journey from first contact to mobilization.
1
WEEK 1
Initial Contact
Express interest and receive an introduction pack.
2
WEEK 2–3
Data Access
NDA signed, data room access granted.
3
MONTH 1–2
Technical Review
Geological and ESG due diligence.
4
MONTH 2–4
Partnership Talks
JV, farm-in or acquisition structuring.
5
MONTH 4–6
Contractualization
Final agreements, permits and mobilization.
SIMPLIFIED PROCESS
01 — Identification of a project
02 — Signature of NDA
03 — Access to data
04 — Due diligence
05 — Negotiation
06 — Partnership agreement
SUB-SECTION B
Partnership Models
ONHYM's strategic partners across the mining and
industrial value chain.
Joint Venture
ONHYM and partner set the conditions and work program to highlight deposits, then create a company to bring discoveries into production.
Earn-in
A partner earns into an ONHYM project by funding exploration.
Farm-in
A partner acquires an interest by funding a portion of the work program.
Technical Cooperation
Knowledge exchange with no direct equity.
Information request form
Data access form
Partnership model template
Project fact sheets
Dedicated contacts directory
NDA templates
Fiscal Regime
Tax incentives and investor protections
SUB-SECTION E
ESG & Sustainability
Environmental and social obligations embedded in the 2015 law.
Impact assessment
Environmental impact assessment obligations introduced in the 2015 law.
Abandonment plan
An abandonment plan requirement to protect the environment.
Sustainable framework
A sustainable-development framework for the national mining industry.
