Phosphates & Mining
Phosphate mining at Bou Craa, linked to the coast by a conveyor belt about 100 kilometres long.
Photo: SN74LS00, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Phosphate rock, the raw material for fertilisers, is the region’s main mineral resource. It is mined at Bou Craa, in the desert south-east of Laâyoune, by Phosboucraa, a subsidiary of Morocco’s OCP Group.
The Bou Craa conveyor
The ore travels from the mine to the coast near Laâyoune on a conveyor belt about 100 km long, often described as the longest in the world. It is so long, and leaves such a pale trail of phosphate dust, that it can be seen from space. At the coast the rock is processed and loaded onto ships at a dedicated phosphate port.
Development
Phosboucraa has invested in modernising its facilities, including a new export port at Laâyoune, and in training and community programmes in the region.
Opportunities
Industrial maintenance, engineering services, logistics and training linked to the mining and processing chain.
Other sectors
Fisheries
Some of the richest Atlantic fishing grounds, with octopus, sardines and a growing processing industry.
Renewable Energy
Wind and solar parks along the coast, and some of Morocco’s largest planned green hydrogen projects.
Ports & Logistics
A deep-water Atlantic port under construction at Dakhla, and a new expressway linking the south.
Tourism
Kitesurfing in Dakhla, desert trips, oases and heritage towns, with a growing number of direct flights.
Agriculture
Greenhouse vegetables around Dakhla, camel farming, and a desalination project to irrigate new farmland.