Critical Mineral Resources strengthens Moroccan portfolio with copper-silver deal

British exploration company Critical Mineral Resources is expanding its footprint in Morocco by acquiring a majority stake in a new copper and silver project. 

The company announced on May 23, 2025, that it has entered a joint venture agreement to secure a 60% interest in the unnamed project.

This move strengthens Critical Mineral’s growing presence in the North African country, where it already holds several exploration assets, including the Igli copper-silver project acquired in 2024, as well as the Meseta, Ighrem, and Ifri projects.

While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the company’s interest in Morocco aligns with the country’s rising reputation as a mining destination. 

Ranked second in Africa for mining investment attractiveness in 2023 by the Fraser Institute, Morocco is known for its rich deposits of copper, cobalt, phosphate, and manganese.

Critical Mineral plans to fast-track the new project, aiming to begin drilling in the third quarter of 2025. The initial target is to identify between 150,000 and 200,000 tonnes of copper at an average grade of 1.2%. The company is also considering a parallel campaign to define a larger, strategic resource.

This latest acquisition underscores Critical Mineral’s strategy to capitalize on Morocco’s mineral wealth and favorable investment climate.