IMC 2026: The African Mining Industry at the Heart of Three Days of Discussions in Rabat

Morocco Strengthens Its Position in the African Mining Industry

Morocco is enhancing its status within the African mining sector and aims to play an increasingly significant role in global value chains for critical and strategic minerals. Ranked 15th globally and 1st in Africa for its overall mining attractiveness, according to the Fraser Institute’s 2025 Annual Survey published in 2026, the Kingdom is leveraging its mining potential, particularly in phosphates, while also developing new ventures focused on minerals essential for energy transition industries.

This drive is part of a broader ambition to bolster the local processing of mineral resources and to create new value chains in Morocco. In this context, the 3rd edition of the International Mining Congress (IMC 2026) will take place from October 6 to 8, 2026, at the Sofitel Jardin des Roses in Rabat, themed “Towards a New Industrial Era: Africa, an Integrated Hub for the Transformation of Critical and Strategic Minerals.”

The congress is organized by the Federation of Mining Industry and AME Trade Ltd, under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, with support from the AMDIE and in partnership with the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM).

IMC 2026 follows the 2025 edition, which was marked by the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration that reaffirmed the commitment of the African mining sector to high standards in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. The upcoming edition aims to extend this initiative by focusing on the implementation of these commitments and creating conditions for responsible and sustainable mining development. The 2025 congress attracted nearly 1,000 participants from over 40 countries and featured over 70 exhibitors representing various segments of the mining value chain.

The IMC 2026 program revolves around a major issue: focusing discussions on industrial transformation within Africa, beyond mere extraction. For two days, ministers, institutional decision-makers, national and international experts, and mining operators will discuss how Africa can build competitive industrial transformation hubs around the critical and strategic minerals necessary for the energy transition.

Key players in the Moroccan mining industry will be present in Rabat alongside international operators, service providers, and equipment manufacturers gathered at the IMC Exhibition. This presence will provide participants with an opportunity to network with all components of the mining ecosystem and to discuss the challenges related to the transformation and development of the sector.

Notable participants include ONHYM (National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines) and OCP Group, a global leader in phosphate, fertilizers, and phosphate derivatives. Managem, a pan-African mining group that has been developing gold, energy transition metals, and natural gas for over 90 years, will also take part in the event. The group employs 5,000 people, represents 29 nationalities, and operates in seven African countries.

Among the other announced participants are the Touissit Mining Company (CMT), a producer of polymetallic metals; Aya Gold & Silver, which operates the Zgounder silver mine; and the Cherifian Mining Studies Company (SACEM), specializing in the exploration, exploitation, and valorization of minerals, particularly manganese.

The Mohammedia Salt Company (SSM), focused on the extraction, production, and marketing of salt in Morocco; Kharrouba Copper Mining, involved in the exploration and development of copper resources in Morocco; and the Moroccan Company of Explosives and Mining Accessories (SME), specializing in the manufacture and supply of explosives and accessories for mining, quarrying, and civil engineering projects, will also be represented.

EPC Explo Maroc, a key player in explosive solutions and related services for the extractive industries, particularly mining and quarrying, SMIREX, engaged in the exploration, exploitation, and valorization of mineral resources, and CRIMIDESA Morocco, which specializes in the extraction and valorization of industrial minerals for the chemical and materials sectors, will also participate in the congress.

The Draa Tafilalet Mining Company (IOM Group), engaged in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the Drâa-Tafilalet region; Broychim, which specializes in the grinding, treatment, and valorization of minerals for various industrial applications; and ULM Industries, focusing on solutions and equipment for the mining, industrial, and mineral resource transformation sectors, will also be part of the lineup of participants.

The CMO, specializing in the exploitation and valorization of mineral resources, and Atlas Tin, which is advancing the Achmmach tin project—one of the main tin resource development projects in Morocco—will also convene in Rabat.

The first day, Tuesday, October 6, will be dedicated to the opening of the congress and technical sessions. It will begin with an official ceremony and opening speeches, followed by a ministerial roundtable focused on transitioning from resources to industrial value chains, along with an inaugural visit to the IMC Exhibition.

A plenary session will then address industrial models capable of allowing Africa to develop competitive hubs for the transformation of critical and strategic minerals. Parallel sessions will also discuss the reinvention of critical and strategic mineral exploration through disruptive technologies and new demand dynamics, processing and refining these minerals, and technologies enabling local transformation. Another session will focus on structuring bankable projects in the field of critical and strategic minerals, examining legal, fiscal, and partnership aspects. The day will conclude with a networking cocktail.

On Wednesday, October 7, discussions will revolve around industrialization, technologies, and ESG issues. A plenary will be dedicated to accelerating mining industrialization in Africa, particularly through infrastructure, energy, and international cooperation.

Parallel sessions will cover artificial intelligence, digitalization, and disruptive technologies in mining transformation, the rise of African mining services champions and subcontracting, and ESG for responsible African mining governance. The development of skills, viewed as a driver of sustainability in Africa’s mining sector, will also be addressed in a dedicated session. The day will feature the signing of agreements and a closing ceremony.

Throughout the two days of conferences, a designated area will facilitate B2B meetings, allowing various sector players to exchange ideas and explore partnership opportunities.

Thursday, October 8, will be dedicated to site visits. Planned visits currently include the Khouribga mining site and the Jorf Lasfar platform of the OCP Group, the Tighza mine operated by CMT, the Mohammedia salt mine by SSM, the industrial zone of Kenitra, and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P).

Founded with a collective ambition, the Federation of Mining Industry unites players contributing to the development of the mineral industry in Morocco. It supports a sector at the heart of issues surrounding industrial sovereignty, competitiveness, and economic transformation within the Kingdom.

Through its initiatives in representation, dialogue, and promotion, the FDIM strives to enhance the sector’s attractiveness, encourage partnership development, and support the emergence of a more integrated, innovative, and sustainable mining industry. It serves as a platform for collaboration among sector operators, public authorities, and all partners, both nationally and internationally.

With its unifying mission, the FDIM is also engaged in a dynamic of openness to the African continent. Through IMC Morocco, it contributes to creating a high-level dialogue space focused on the major challenges of the mining industry, bringing together public decision-makers, operators, investors, experts, and international partners.

This approach reflects the belief that the development of the mining industry today hinges on greater cooperation, innovation, and local resource transformation, all aimed at fostering sustainable industrial growth that creates value.

Founded in 2006, AME Trade Ltd has established itself as a key player in facilitating trade and investment in emerging African markets. With over 20 years of experience, its teams specialize in sector-specific B2B events, conferences, and digital marketing services, particularly in the mining, energy, finance, and oil and gas sectors.

Operating in 29 African countries, the organization collaborates with top industry experts and local SMEs to organize impactful events that drive sustainable development and economic growth on the continent. Its mission is to foster valuable business connections, train and unite key stakeholders, and help address issues hampering collaboration and progress in each sector it serves.

Its on-the-ground presence offers a competitive advantage and unparalleled expertise. Its value-added services include tailored training and capacity-building programs, digital marketing services, and economic intelligence reports.