Description
In 2003 Morocco reported zinc production at 136, 433 t (a 24% decrease from 2002), lead production was estimated at 54,779 t (38% decrease from 2002) and copper production fell by 1.5% to 17,539 t in 2003.

The development of the CMG site as a centre for producing cobalt and niche metal derivative products by hydrometallurgical routes, as well as mining and processing zinc-lead-copper, made considerable progress during 2003.SGS presented Managem president Rachid Benyakhlef with ISO 14001 certification for all the operations on the site. In addition to the mine and concentrator, these include the R&D; facility belonging to Managem’s Reminex engineering unit and the hydrometallurgical units. The complex also houses the Sommital copper sulphate manufacturing unit and the unit converting purchased calamine ore to zinc oxide, which was officially opened early in 2003.

Another major player in Morocco’s leasd and zinc sector is Maroc Emirats Arabes Unies (SOMED) which owns 80% of the secondary lead smelting firm Soc. Africaine des Metaux et Alliages Blancs.

Cie Minière de Touissit (CMT), which is 51% owned by Asturienne, shut the Touissit mine early in 2003, thus choosing to rely on the newer Tighza lead-zinc mine, and reducing in-house feed to the Zellidja smelter to about 35,000 t. The feed shortfall must be made up, perhaps partly by buying concentrate from Guemassa but mainly by importing. Annual production at Zellidja is currently running at about 85,000 t of lead and 70,000 kg of silver. SFPZ typically exports more than 95% of its production. CMT now also owns the former Zgounder silver operation, which closed in 1977. Small tonnages of lead and zinc ores are mined by artisans, including those supplied to the CTT zinc oxide operation.

Organisations (1)
Compagnie Miniere de Guemassa :[ Add More ]

Facilities (11)
Akka, Benguerir II, Bleida, Bou Azzer, Boucraa II, Douar Hajar, Drâa Lasfar, Imiter, Sidi Chenane, Sidi Daoui, Touissit

Shaun Bakamoso

Greetings. I'm Shaun Bakamoso, and I'm thrilled to be your guide through the dynamic world of business news in South Africa here at mbendi.co.za. With a passion for staying informed and a keen interest in the ever-evolving landscape of business, I've dedicated myself to providing you with timely, insightful, and comprehensive coverage of the latest developments impacting the South African economy. bakamoso@gmail.com / Instagram