ISLAMABAD: Morocco on Friday expressed its willingness to strengthen mining cooperation with Pakistan, highlighting opportunities for partnerships, investment and the exchange of expertise in the mineral sector.
Secretary General of Morocco’s Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Mohamed Ouhmed, addressing the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2026 (PMIF26), said the forum provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange experiences and explore new avenues for cooperation and partnerships.
He said Morocco had a long mining history and significant mineral potential, with a wide range of mineral resources.
Highlighting Morocco’s experience in the mining sector, he said the country was one of the world’s leading phosphate producers and had developed a strong industry that met international standards.
The industry covered the entire value chain and had developed strong local expertise, he said, adding that Morocco had established partnerships with several countries in Africa, the Americas and Asia, including Pakistan.
Beyond phosphate, Morocco also had considerable geological potential and held an important position in the global production of several minerals, he said.
Citing World Mining Data 2026, Ouhmed said Morocco ranked first globally in phosphate exports, with production reaching about 35 million tonnes in 2025.
He said Morocco ranked first in Africa and fourth globally in barite production. It also ranked fourth in Africa and 13th globally in cobalt production, while standing first in Africa and 17th worldwide in silver production.
He said Morocco’s experience in phosphate production could also be extended to other areas of mining, creating opportunities for investment, industrial development and new value chains.
He called for stronger cooperation to utilise the potential of both countries and develop a modern, competitive and sustainable mining sector that contributed to their economies and created opportunities for their citizens.