London-listed critical metals exploration company Aterian on Wednesday reported “positive” results from a recent sampling campaign at its Azrar project in Morocco.

The results include up to 4.01% copper and 26.9 grams/tonne silver, with the sampling also identifying continued copper mineralisation within previously mapped Adoudouian sediments. Furthermore, the Quartz vein zones on the new licence areas reported gold as a by-product, with 1.19 % copper, 0.50 g/t gold and 1.22 % copper, 0.33 g/t gold, the company notes in a statement seen by Kallanish. 

“We now better understand that the sedimentary-hosted copper potential of this project likely offers greater scale than previously determined,” says Charles Bray, chairman of Aterian. “These recent results from the Azrar project are both very encouraging, with the continuation of the sedimentary-hosted copper, and fascinating, with the identification of multiple other geological sources of copper mineralisation.”

Located in central Morocco, within the prospective western Anti-Atlas region, the Azrar project comprises eight licences spanning a total area of 99.3 square kilometres. Aterian says that previous prospecting has returned strong copper grades at the project, including 3.79% copper.

The latest fieldwork results focused on two new licences the company secured last August, with 41 samples collected in total. Aterian is now planning geological mapping and sampling of copper-gold veins, as well as further exploration of the sedimentary-hosted copper potential. 

“We have created a strong asset portfolio in Morocco and will continue to seek to expand our projects and explore the area,” Bray adds. “The country is emerging as a preferred destination for global mining and manufacturing companies seeking to enter the EU and USA via preferential trade status.”

Aterian’s other key copper-silver-gold projects in Morocco include Agdz, Tata and Jebilet Est. Elsewhere in Africa, Aterian is exploring for copper and lithium in Botswana and Rwanda. The African-focused firm says it continues to evaluate possible future acquisitions, prioritising Rwanda and Morocco as the countries “offer stable and strong business investment environments.”

Morocco, currently the largest phosphate producer in the world, is set to see further growth in investments from players in the EV battery supply chain. In addition to copper, phosphate and cobalt production, the North African country has free trade agreements with the EU and the US – making it a strategic investment destination, particularly for China.

Some recent investment announcements include a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode plant by China’s Youshan (Huayou Cobalt subsidiary) and LG Chem; an electrolyte manufacturing facility by Tinci Materials; a CAM plant by BTR; and a battery gigafactory by Gotion Hig-tech.