Morocco moves up in global mining economy index, report says

Morocco has made progress in supporting mining-related economic activities, according to a new international ranking by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM). 

Morocco climbed two spots to 85th place out of 110 countries in the latest edition of the Global Mining Contribution Index, scoring 28.5 points. 

In the previous edition, Morocco ranked 87th out of 183 nations.

The report says that Morocco’s mining sector continues to play a growing role in the country’s economy, though still modest compared to leading mining-dependent nations. 

The top spot went to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which scored 97 out of 100, followed by Mali, Zimbabwe, Mauritania, Liberia, and Burkina Faso. 

At the bottom of the list were Ireland, Vietnam, and Turkmenistan.

The ICMM report explains that the strong performance of some African countries like Congo and Sierra Leone stems from higher global prices for metals and increased production volumes. 

These trends have boosted mining’s contribution to national exports, giving those economies a major lift.

Globally, the report found that 11 countries saw a decline in mining export contributions over the past five years, while 20 countries experienced major shifts in their rankings. 

Nearly all countries either improved or maintained their positions across most of the report’s sub-indicators.

The ICMM said that mining remains vital for many developing and middle-income countries whose economic growth and livelihoods still depend heavily on the sector. 

The organization noted that as the world moves toward decarbonization, the demand for minerals is accelerating, making it more important than ever to understand the connection between mining and national economies.

The report also warns that a strong mining sector doesn’t always translate into sustainable development. 

The report calls for stronger governance and responsible mining practices to ensure that the economic gains benefit citizens and lead to long-term progress.

Following the post-pandemic rebound in commodity prices, the report says many mining economies, including Morocco, have seen renewed momentum. 

But the report stresses that converting mining wealth into inclusive growth will require sound policies and transparent management of natural resources.