Merija Mining, a subsidiary of Africorp Mining—the mining and quarry division of Africorp Consortium—has just secured a major international contract, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s growth. The firm has been awarded the rights to operate the Naour copper deposit, located in the Béni Mellal province near Ksiba, following a competitive international tender organized by Morocco’s National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM).
With an investment exceeding 230 million dirhams, this new venture is a significant step forward for Merija, building on its earlier success in the Bouarfa region, where copper ore flotation operations launched in 2019 are now fully up and running. The Naour site is estimated to hold over 1.5 million tons of resources, with an average copper concentration of 1.5%. By 2027, the project is expected to generate approximately 250 million dirhams in revenue, positioning it as a key driver of growth for the company.
Mohamed Lazaar, President of Africorp Mining, emphasized the importance of this milestone, calling it a natural extension of the company’s successful debut in Bouarfa. “This marks a new chapter in our mining journey,” he said, “and reinforces our commitment to expanding into promising new areas that are currently under exploration.”
Hassan Benjorfi, Vice President of Africorp Consortium, also underscored the group’s long-term vision. “Supporting the development of our business divisions is central to Africorp’s mission,” he said. “Merija’s win with the Naour project reflects our broader ambition to build strong subsidiaries capable of executing high-impact, strategic initiatives. Africorp Mining embodies this momentum—actively developing national resources while staying aligned with sustainability and social responsibility goals. We will continue to back this trajectory of growth and innovation in service of the Kingdom.”
The project aligns closely with Morocco’s national mining strategy, which aims to harness the country’s geological wealth while promoting responsible practices. Merija has already made a name for itself in this area, particularly through its social initiatives—such as hiring local workers, installing solar-powered water pumps in nearby villages, and developing essential community services.
Through this latest development, Merija not only cements its role as a major industrial player but also strengthens its impact on the local and regional economy. The move also underscores Africorp Consortium’s broader objective of building sectoral centers of excellence that align with Morocco’s evolving economic and industrial ambitions.
