Aterian Discovers New Copper Indicators in the Anti-Atlas

Aterian Mining Discovers New Copper Indicators in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas Region

On Wednesday, October 14, the British mining company Aterian announced the discovery of new copper indicators in the Amane area, part of its Azrar exploration project located in the Moroccan Anti-Atlas region. Initial field observations have reported a mineralized zone with an apparent length of 1.6 kilometers. This work has been funded by Aterian’s French partner, Lithosquare, which specializes in artificial intelligence applications.

These preliminary results allow for the expansion of the known area of copper mineralization at Amane and help refine the targets for the upcoming investigations. Aterian is now preparing to conduct its first reconnaissance drilling campaign, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2026, to better assess the geological potential of the site.

New Copper Indicators Across Multiple Areas

The initial mapping operations have covered four of the twenty-two geological traverses outlined in the exploration program. These operations have extended the targeted area at Amane to 2.5 kilometers by identifying new mineralized outcrops.

In the western part of the region, the apparent thickness of the observed zones locally reaches seven meters, while in the northern section, it rises to about two meters. However, these data correspond to surface observations; the continuity and actual extent of the mineralizations at depth remain to be confirmed through additional work.

Teams have also identified a potential extension of mineralization in the northern part of Amane, estimated to span between one and 1.2 kilometers, compared to about 250 meters in the western part. Previous mining activities associated with visible copper indicators have also been detected in the area.

Another target within the Azrar perimeter, located at Tifrit, also shows signs of mineralization. These sightings have been observed in layers of conglomerates and fine sandstones, with an apparent width of three meters and a length of approximately fifty meters.

Drilling Campaign Scheduled for Late 2026

The exploration program outlines a total of twenty-two geological traverses, representing a cumulative length of 8.2 kilometers. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the distribution of mineralizations within the sedimentary formations of Adoudou and to pinpoint the most promising zones.

The work also includes topographic surveys, systematic sampling, and the development of access routes to areas deemed a priority. Meanwhile, Aterian is preparing for its first reconnaissance drilling campaign for the fourth quarter of 2026 and has begun discussions with local specialized companies.

Charles Bray, Aterian’s Executive Chairman, believes that the initial mapping results extend the known area of copper mineralizations at Amane and highlight several indicators in unexplored sectors. He states that upcoming operations should notably verify the continuity of the mineralized formations and determine the most relevant locations for the first drillings.

Artificial Intelligence in Geological Exploration

In addition to field observations, Aterian plans to utilize hyperspectral data to distinguish the mineralogical signatures of different rock formations. Their interpretation will be cross-referenced with already collected geological information to better prioritize drill targets.

The French partner Lithosquare contributes to this approach by providing analytical tools based on artificial intelligence. These technologies are expected to assist in classifying the sectors to be examined first and guide the next steps of the exploration.

This approach thus combines classical geological mapping methods with advanced analytical tools to enhance the selection of areas likely to present mining interest.

Aterian Holds 85% of the Azrar Project

The Azrar project spans an area of 76.9 square kilometers in the western Anti-Atlas. Aterian owns 85% of the capital, while Lithosquare holds the remaining 15%. The work currently underway is fully financed through their partnership.

No figures have been disclosed regarding the cost of the ongoing campaign or the budget allocated for the upcoming drillings. The evaluation of the site’s potential will largely depend on the results of geological investigations and the forthcoming drilling.

The Azrar perimeter is located about 45 kilometers east of the Tizert copper project operated by the Moroccan mining group Managem. This proximity is situated within a favorable regional geological context for exploration, although it cannot alone support conclusions about the potential resources of Azrar.

Previous campaigns by Aterian had already highlighted several areas with indicators of copper, silver, and, locally, gold. The current work aims to further delineate these zones and prepare the necessary drilling to more accurately assess the potential of the underground resources.

At this stage, the announced discoveries represent exploration indicators rather than an estimation of mineral resources. The results of future drilling will be crucial for establishing the continuity of the mineralizations and clarifying the potential economic interest of the project.