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In Assiram, In the Tingir Province, Tests Revealed 12.2 Grams of Gold Per Ton and 4.1% Copper; Discovery Could Transform Morocco Into a Power Beyond Phosphate.
The global mining sector has just gained a new strategic point: eastern Morocco. The Canadian mining company Aya Gold & Silver announced a find that promises to reposition the African country on the world stage. During recent drilling at the Assiram site, located west of the mineral belt of the Boumediene project, a large deposit of gold and copper was identified, with characteristics that experts are already classifying as highly promising.
The news, reported by outlets such as Azernews and Akhbarona, gained prominence not only due to the volume identified but also because of the quality of the surface samples. Initial tests indicate 12.2 grams of gold per ton and 4.1% copper — figures above the global average for economic viability.
Gold and Copper: A Power Duo in the Global Economy
The discovery in Assiram becomes even more relevant due to the combination of two crucial elements for the modern economy: gold and copper.
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Rare earths are in everything, from cell phones to bullet trains, and what almost no one realizes is why they have become the target of such a delicate global war.
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Brazil extracts 26.3 million tons of ore from what was previously treated as waste, transforming residues into wealth, producing over 3 million tons of sand, and demonstrating how national mining is relearning to generate value.
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A $3.5 billion megaproject in Latin America pumps desalinated seawater at 1,050 liters per second over 194 km to keep a copper supermine in the Andes operational for another 20 years.
- Gold, in addition to being a financial asset, is used in electronics, medical equipment, and even in the aerospace industry. Its demand remains stable even in times of crisis.
- Copper, in turn, has gained prominence in the energy transition. Essential in the manufacturing of electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and electrical infrastructure, it has become one of the most strategic metals for global decarbonization.
Having both in the same deposit creates a unique opportunity. According to experts, a polymetallic project with this composition could ensure high profit margins, attract billion-dollar international investments, and establish Morocco as a new power in the sector.
What Is the Value of a Truckload of This Newly Discovered Ore?
- Truck Capacity: 30 tons of ore;
- Average Gold Content: 12.2 g per ton;
- Total Gold in the Truck: 366 g → $ 139,000;
- Average Copper Content: 4.1% (41 kg per ton);
- Total Copper in the Truck: 1,230 kg → $ 43,000.
Estimated Total Value: $ 182,000 per load
The Potential of the Assiram Deposit
The mineralized zone identified by Aya Gold & Silver extends for eight kilometers — a fact that already impresses the market. However, the company believes this may be just the beginning.
With the advancement of drilling, there is an expectation that new layers of ore will be revealed, further expanding the available reserves. If this is confirmed, the Boumediene project could evolve into a large-scale mine, capable of competing with established operations in countries like South Africa, Australia, and Canada.
According to preliminary analyses, the concentrations found in Assiram far exceed the cutoff level generally required to make a mining venture economically viable. This scenario places the region on the radar of major international investors.
Morocco Beyond Phosphate
Traditionally, Morocco is recognized as a global leader in phosphate reserves, an essential input for agricultural fertilizers. This mineral wealth supports a significant part of the country’s economy and positions it as a key player in global food security.
However, the discovery in Assiram points to a rare diversification. If the economic viability of the deposit is confirmed, Morocco could broaden its presence in the value chain of precious and strategic metals, directly inserting itself into the market related to green technologies.
This change in profile could have profound impacts: increased exports, creation of skilled jobs, development of infrastructure in the eastern part of the country, and even greater diplomatic influence in international negotiations on critical minerals.
Economic and Social Impacts
The operation of a large mine in Assiram could transform the local reality. The Tingir province, where the deposit is located, has a limited history of major mining investments. With the arrival of foreign capital, it is expected:
- Creation of direct and indirect jobs, from the construction phase to the operational phase;
- Development of infrastructure, such as roads, energy, and support services;
- Professional training for the local workforce, integrating communities into the global mining market;
- Growth of associated sectors, such as transport, lodging, and commerce.
According to Aya Gold & Silver, the priority will be to create conditions for the project to advance sustainably, respecting local communities and the environment.
The Perspective of the Scientific Community and the Market
The company described the discovery as a “qualitative leap”, emphasizing that Assiram opens new fronts for geological research in Morocco. For experts, the presence of gold and copper in the same area indicates an underappreciated potential of the Moroccan subsoil, which until now had not been explored in depth.
The financial market has already reacted positively to the announcement. Analysts point out that, if the economic viability is confirmed, the deposit could significantly raise the market value of Aya Gold & Silver and solidify the country as an attractive destination for capital aimed at green mining.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm, the path from discovery to mine operation is long and fraught with obstacles. Among the primary challenges are:
- Stringent environmental licensing, necessary to avoid irreversible impacts;
- Logistical infrastructure, as Tingir currently lacks robust industrial corridors;
- Fluctuations in the international metals market, which can affect financial viability;
- Political and regulatory stability, essential to attract long-term investors.
Aya Gold & Silver emphasized that it is committed to advancing responsibly, ensuring that mineral exploration brings benefits not only to its shareholders but also to Morocco and its communities.
A Future in Dispute
The announcement in Assiram comes at a strategic moment. The race for critical minerals is becoming increasingly competitive, with China, the USA, and the European Union vying for reliable suppliers to sustain their energy transition policies.
With high-grade gold and copper in Moroccan territory, the country could, in just a few years, become a key player in one of the most strategic industries of the 21st century. The discovery reinforces that Africa, traditionally seen only as a supplier of raw materials, is ready to demand more space and prominence in the global mining market.
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