During her visit to Riyadh for the fifth International Meeting of Mining Ministers, Leila Benali, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, reaffirmed her country’s ambition to establish itself as a key green mining corridor linking West Africa to global markets. In an interview with CNBC, she highlighted how Morocco is now actively bringing to life a vision it has pursued for years: becoming the primary gateway for critical and green minerals out of the African continent.
“Morocco is working to become the only corridor connecting West Africa with the rest of the world for strategic mineral resources,” Benali stated, noting the significant progress made on projects that support this goal.
The Riyadh meeting placed heavy emphasis on regional cooperation, especially in areas such as data sharing, joint investments, and the development of critical mineral value chains. According to Benali, several Arab nations are now proposing initiatives to deepen integration around strategic metals, aiming to position the region as a united front in the evolving global mining landscape.
The rise of new technological demands—driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, and the ongoing needs of everyday infrastructure like heating and cooling—also featured prominently in the discussions. These sectors are increasing global demand for key materials, and Morocco sees an opportunity to meet that demand sustainably.
Benali also stressed Morocco’s commitment to a broader cooperative framework aligned with the Marrakech Declaration, adopted in December during the 2nd International Mining Congress. This document lays the groundwork for a pan-African approach to mining governance, emphasizing environmental responsibility, social rights, and transparency.
Over 30 African nations have already endorsed this framework, which is designed to unlock the continent’s vast mining potential and strengthen its role in global supply chains for critical minerals.
Born out of Marrakech, the declaration promotes equitable access to financing, stronger collaboration among African countries, and a shared commitment to responsible, sustainable mining practices.
The International Mining Conference in Riyadh, held from January 13 to 15, brought together more than 100 government delegations along with representatives from international organizations, professional federations, and major players in the extractive industries.
