Aya Gold & Silver says work on its Boumadine polymetallic project in the Drâa Tafilalet region is moving ahead as planned. The company is carrying out a feasibility study to decide whether the mine can be built. It is also finishing a new preliminary economic assessment of the project.
Drilling remains the biggest part of the work. Aya Gold & Silver has drilled more than 102,000 metres so far this year. It plans to complete 180,000 metres by the end of 2026 as part of a wider 360,000 metre drilling programme.
The campaign is designed to improve understanding of the deposit and turn more mineral resources into mineable reserves. Drilling is also extending known mineralisation at the Main, Tizi and Imariren zones, where the deposit remains open.
The company is also preparing to award major contracts for the project. It has started selecting companies that could operate the future open-pit mine before launching a competitive tender. The mining contract is expected to be awarded in the first half of 2027. A similar process is underway for the processing plant.
Work on key infrastructure is also progressing.
Engineers have started detailed studies for the project’s water supply with several Moroccan partners. The plan is to use treated wastewater from nearby towns to meet part of the mine’s water needs. A hydrogeological study will also assess regional brackish groundwater to help secure long-term water supplies.
Power infrastructure is also being planned. Engineering work has started on a new electricity line while discussions continue with the national grid operator. The company says the system will follow the same model used at its Zgounder silver mine.
Metallurgical testing by SGS Canada is now in its final stage. Early results support the planned processing method and point to ways of improving plant performance and concentrate quality.
Aya Gold & Silver is also planning how future concentrates will be transported and exported. It is holding talks with port operators, rail companies and logistics firms. The options include upgrading existing railway lines and building new logistics terminals.
Boumadine is one of the company’s biggest growth projects. Work on drilling, engineering, infrastructure and procurement is continuing as the project moves towards the next stage of development.
