Fortescue Prepares Its Mining Exploration Campaigns in Morocco
Fortescue Expands Its Presence in Morocco with New Mining Exploration Campaigns
The Australian group Fortescue is strengthening its presence in Morocco by preparing the launch of new mining exploration campaigns. The iron ore producer plans to establish a procurement office in Casablanca to manage its supplies, while an exploration office will be set up in Marrakech to oversee field operations.
This organizational structure aims to enable the group to better define its future needs for equipment and specialized services while developing a network of Moroccan and international suppliers. Fortescue intends to prepare for its operations in the kingdom, focusing particularly on copper, gold, iron ore, and other critical minerals.
A Procurement Office to Prepare Future Projects
The upcoming procurement office based in Casablanca will be tasked with preparing the commencement of Fortescue’s metals exploration activities in Morocco. It will be responsible for identifying potential suppliers, assessing their capabilities, gathering offers, organizing tenders, and negotiating the commercial terms of future contracts.
The procurement timeline will be set according to the progress of projects, technical priorities, and needs validated by the group. This approach aims to anticipate operational needs and ensure the availability of the necessary services and equipment for exploration campaigns.
Fortescue is paying special attention to four categories of specialized services: geophysics, laboratory analyses, safety, and environmental services. The group aims to engage with relevant suppliers early in the process to consider preparation timelines and select companies in advance.
Targeting Moroccan Companies for Future Contracts
Beyond services directly related to geological studies, Fortescue plans to engage suppliers for logistics support for its field teams. Identified needs include accommodations, vehicles, medical services, fuel, and communications, as well as services linked to local communities.
These supplies should facilitate the operation of teams deployed at exploration sites by covering their accommodation, travel, and provisioning. For lower-value local expenditures that present minimal risk, the group also plans to implement simplified procurement procedures.
Thus, the Australian company demonstrates its intention to integrate Moroccan firms into its supply framework. However, specific opportunities will depend on project needs, selection procedures, and the ability of suppliers to meet the group’s technical and operational requirements.
Marrakech at the Heart of Exploration Efforts
Concurrently, Fortescue plans to establish an exploration office in Marrakech, which will supervise a significant team of geologists and the services necessary for field operations. This structure will be responsible for conducting exploration campaigns in various regions of Morocco, reporting to a manager overseeing exploration activities both in Morocco and Kazakhstan.
The proposed program includes geological surveys, geophysical and geochemical studies, as well as coring or reverse circulation drilling. Research will focus on copper, gold, lead, zinc, in addition to iron ore and other minerals considered strategic.
The group also intends to compare the geological potential and funding needs of less-explored areas with those of more advanced projects. Depending on their interest, these projects could be subject to acquisition or partnership in the form of a joint venture.
This approach is meant to enable Fortescue to evaluate various investment opportunities in the Moroccan mining sector without limiting its research to a single type of deposit or region.
Fortescue Reports Strong Financial Results
The expansion of activities in Morocco coincides with Fortescue reporting solid financial results. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, the company recorded a revenue of $16.97 billion (approximately 166.28 billion dirhams), marking a 9% increase.
Its underlying net profit rose by 3% to reach $3.46 billion, which is nearly 33.9 billion dirhams. Iron ore shipments hit a record 201.3 million tons, while free cash flow stood at $3.2 billion, up 25%.
These performances create a favorable context for preparing new projects, although the actual investments in Morocco will depend on exploration results and the group’s subsequent decisions.
A Distinct Partnership with OCP Group
In April 2024, Fortescue also announced a joint venture project with the Moroccan OCP Group, which specializes in phosphates and fertilizers. This partnership aims to explore various avenues for cooperation, including the production of hydrogen and ammonia from renewable energies, the manufacture of fertilizers and industrial equipment, and the establishment of a research center near Marrakech.
This project falls under Fortescue’s energy division, while the new mining exploration operations are driven by its metals division. Both initiatives reflect the Australian group’s interest in developing its activities in Morocco.
With a procurement office in Casablanca and an exploration arrangement planned for Marrakech, Fortescue is preparing for a more structured operational presence in the kingdom. For Moroccan companies, the upcoming markets related to geology, logistics, and field services could represent new opportunities, contingent on the effective launch of campaigns and the awarding of contracts.
