Critical Mineral Resources begins drilling at Agadir Melloul copper project

Wednesday 27 August 2025 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Critical Mineral Resources begins drilling at Agadir Melloul copper project

Mining company Critical Mineral Resources PLC (CMR) has announced significant progress at its Agadir Melloul copper project, located roughly 240 kilometers east of Agadir, Morocco. The company has secured new permits, exclusivity agreements, and plans to commence drilling within the next two weeks, marking a pivotal step in transforming the site into a major copper and silver resource.

Joint venture expands project potential

The Agadir Melloul project is being developed in collaboration with Coppernicus Mining Company (CMC). Together, the partners now hold six permits in the district and have secured exclusivity over six additional permits, granting them what CMR describes as a “dominant position” in the region.

CMR is working toward a 60% ownership stake in the project, aiming to define an exploration target of 150,000 to 200,000 tons of copper at an average grade of 1.2%. Early results from surface trenching revealed high-grade deposits, including 27 meters at 2.9% copper and 25 grams per ton of silver.

Metallurgy, mining plans, and geological significance

Metallurgical tests have shown promising recovery rates, with 80% copper recovery and 61% silver recovery. Preliminary plans include constructing an open-pit mine capable of producing 750 to 1,000 tons per day.

The project’s geology is comparable to Morocco’s Tizert copper project, a 130-million-ton resource located 55 kilometers west of Agadir Melloul. Copper deposits at Agadir Melloul are found in sedimentary rocks, primarily limestone and dolomite, and include minerals such as chalcopyrite, bornite, and malachite.

Leadership outlines a vision for growth

CMR CEO Charlie Long referred to the development as a “game-changing transaction” for the company. “This moves CMR from rock-kicking explorer to project developer with an awesome asset,” he said.

Russell Tucker, a director at CMR, emphasized the district-wide potential. “We now have six important permits and district control. Our job is to build the resource, develop an open-pit mine, and continue drilling as we pursue a strategically important discovery,” he stated.

Local expertise and infrastructure

The project is being spearheaded by CMR’s Moroccan team, supported by local technical and geological service providers, including Afrilab in Marrakesh. With existing roads and power infrastructure already in place, the project is well-positioned for rapid development.

CMR believes the Agadir Melloul project has substantial near-term mining potential, along with long-term exploration opportunities. If successful, the project could emerge as a key copper and silver resource for Morocco, further solidifying the country’s position in the global mining industry.