IMC 2026: Industry Stakeholders Showcase Their Solutions and Innovations
The third edition of the International Mining Conference Morocco (IMC 2026), taking place from October 6 to 8 in Rabat, brings together public officials, investors, and various companies and research entities dedicated to the development of the mining sector.
Among the participants, EPC Morocco and the Geology & Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI) at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) are showcasing their activities, solutions, and research efforts within a sector poised to play an increasingly vital role in new industrial chains.
### EPC Morocco: Drilling, Mining, and Support for Operators
Established in Morocco since 1952, EPC Morocco plays a crucial role in the mining ecosystem through two main activities: the manufacturing of explosives and the associated services for blasting operations, alongside drilling and mining activities.
During IMC 2026, Ivan Novikoff, Managing Director of EPC Morocco, emphasized the company’s commitment to presenting its solutions and capacity to support stakeholders in the Moroccan mining sector.
“We have two key activities: one focuses on explosive manufacturing and blasting services, and the other on drilling and mining,” he explained.
The company, which employs over 300 people, also sees the event in Rabat as an opportunity to reconnect with its clients and demonstrate its expertise to the various industry players present.
Novikoff further highlighted the significance of participating in this edition of the IMC, noting that the initial discussions he attended were of high quality, and that the program is set to facilitate further exchanges about the sector’s challenges.
EPC Morocco’s presence at the conference allows the company to showcase its capabilities in assisting operators with their drilling and mining activities, as well as more broadly in resource exploitation.
### Research in Service of Resource Valorization
Research also holds a prominent place in the discussions at IMC 2026. The Geology & Sustainable Mining Institute (GSMI), affiliated with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir, is presenting part of its work and products stemming from its research and partnerships.
Hamza Elfadili, a researcher at GSMI, explains that the institute encompasses several research axes aimed at enhancing mineral resources and developing high-value-added products.
These research focuses include geology and mineral exploration, ore processing, sustainability, and paleontology.
“We are here to showcase the products we have synthesized through our research work and partnership initiatives,” said the researcher.
For GSMI, participating in the International Mining Conference also represents an opportunity to highlight the efforts of its researchers and students and to present their work to various partners and industry stakeholders.
This presence reflects the increasing alignment between research, innovation, and the mining industry, particularly in a context where the transformation and local valorization of resources are critical challenges for sector development.
### An Evolving Mining Ecosystem
Through the participation of specialized companies like EPC Morocco and research institutes like GSMI, IMC 2026 underscores the diversity of skills mobilized around mining activities.
From exploration and research to drilling, mining, processing, and resource valorization, the various stakeholders present in Rabat illustrate a collective commitment to developing a more integrated mining ecosystem.
Beyond resource extraction, the discussions at the forum also highlight the importance of technology, innovation, skills, and partnerships between industry and academia in driving the evolution of the mining sector in Morocco and Africa.
