The International Mining Congress of Morocco (IMC 2025) closed its second day of high-level discussions with strong commitments to advancing African industrial sovereignty, strengthening ESG performance, and accelerating regional integration across strategic and critical mineral value chains. Under the theme “Strategic and Critical Metals: Morocco, an Open Industrial and Technological Hub for Regional and Global Added Value,” delegates continued shaping a unified vision for a modern, innovative, and responsible African mining future.

SESSION 3: Morocco’s Mining Sector as a Catalyst for Continental Sovereignty

Moderated by Mr. Abdellah Mouttaqi, the session reaffirmed Morocco’s strategic role in supporting Africa’s industrial integration. Speakers emphasized that true sovereignty requires not only rich geological resources but also mastery of technology, logistics, data governance, financing mechanisms, and green energy.

Key speakers—including OCP, SP2M, Ascend Intelligence, Managem, Kharrouba Coper Mining and representatives of Morocco’s industrial federations—highlighted digitalization, R&D, skills development, and local technology deployment as the foundations of a modern mining model.

The session was followed by the signing of  a cooperation agreement between Chrysos Corporation and AFRILAB, marking the introduction of next-generation PhotonAssay technology to Morocco and the Maghreb.

SESSION 4: ESG & Responsibility as a Cornerstone for the Future of African Mining

Moderated by Mr. Mostafa Benzaazouam (UM6P), the session underscored ESG not as a regulatory burden, but as a strategic asset for securing investment, building community trust, and aligning with global market expectations. Speakers from OECD, Senegal, Canada, Morocco, Gabon, France and the private sector stressed the urgency of adapting global standards to African realities, strengthening training, simplifying procedures, and embedding ESG into project design from the outset.

IMC 2025 featured additional High-Level Sessions: Women in Mining, Water Stress & Mining, and Logistics

Day 2 also featured four pivotal thematic discussions reinforcing the Congress’s commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and operational excellence:

• The session on Water Stress & the Mining Industry addressed responsible resource management in arid regions, presenting cutting-edge technologies, collaborative models, and best practices applicable to Morocco and Africa’s broader mining landscape.
• The Integrated Mining Logistics & Industrial Corridors session explored the systems needed to support efficient, competitive, and sustainable value chains—emphasising ports, corridors, multi-modal transport, and Morocco’s role as a continental logistics hub.
• The Talent Development Session – this dedicated session on talent development focused on the essential role of education, continuous training, and youth empowerment in ensuring Africa’s mining sovereignty. Universities, training institutes, and industry representatives emphasised that human capital is the ultimate competitive advantage, and Morocco is well-positioned to become a continental hub for mining talent and scientific research.
• The Geometallurgy session - This highly technical session highlighted the rising importance of geometallurgy for improving exploration outcomes, processing efficiency, and mine profitability. Experts demonstrated how integrating geological, mineralogical, metallurgical, and environmental data enables more accurate forecasting, reduced energy consumption, and minimized environmental impacts.

A Successful Conclusion & Strategic Site Visits

IMC Morocco 2025 concluded with strong alignment on three priority imperatives:

1. Building resilient and sovereign mineral value chains

2. Embedding ESG as a driver of competitiveness and investment

3. Investing in human capital, innovation, and regional cooperation

Delegates also participated in strategic site visits showcasing Morocco’s world-class mining and industrial infrastructure, offering firsthand insight into the technologies and operational models positioning the Kingdom as a continental leader.

IMC Morocco 2025: A Platform for Vision, Integration & Action

Over two intensive days, IMC Morocco 2025 convened ministers, CEOs, investors, financiers, and academic leaders committed to shaping the future of African mining. The event reaffirmed that Africa has the resources, Morocco provides the strategic leadership, and together the continent is ready to advance its position within global critical mineral value chains and the energy transition.