mine of Draa Sfar

Draa Sfar mine is located in the Moroccan Meseta VMS Province (Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide), 13 km in The North West of Marrakesh.
The history of the Draa Sfar mine goes back to 1949, when Jean Routier was the first to apply for the permit covering the Iron Gossan above the deposit. In 1953, SMZ (Société des Mines des Zenaga) started mining the deposit, and produced 5,000 tons of iron ore as hematite with an ore grade of 51% iron. 
The first exploration work began in that same year, when the SEGM (Service d'Etude Géologique Marocain) awarded the CPGNA (Compagnie de Prospection Géophysique Nord Africaine) a ground geophysical survey in the area of Sidi Mbrak, which includes the Draa Sfar zone. Several exploration surveys were carried out for Sulphur and iron, and base metals were discovered in a relatively small thikness by 1962. In 1984, BRPM  agreed a research agreement with SOMIFER and REMINEX, both subsidiaries of the Managem Group. The work performed under this agreement led to the discovery of the deposit, which then started up production in 2004 to take over from the Hajjar deposit, which had been running out of reserves. 
The Jbilets area north of Marrakech hosts many deposits, the most important of which are the Draa Sfar and Koudiat Aicha orebodies. These two deposits generate polymetallic ore with high concentrations of zinc, lead, copper and silver. These polymetallic mines are mined by CMG, subsidiary of Managem Group. 
With the aim of making a long-term sustainable mining industry in the Region, Managem implemented an integrated multidisciplinary Strategy using robust mineral system model and New Airborne as well as Remote Sensing Technologies.  Machine Learning Data Processing highlights more than 20 advanced Targets. 

Draa Sfar deposit 

Draa Sfar deposit has a significant reserve of polymetallic ore with economical concentrations of Zinc, Copper, Lead and Silver. The ore reserve stretches over a depth of 1.5 km and runs 1.6 km North South, and still Open both laterally and in the depth. Draa Sfar Modern Shaft is the deepest mine in North Africa, reaching a depth of 1,200 metres.