# Minestarters Atlas News & Events Canonical page: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news?commodities=copper®ions=morocco%2Cwestern+high+atlas Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting. Results: 8 Returned: 8 Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied. Region: Morocco (morocco) Region: western high atlas (western high atlas) Commodity: Copper (copper) Applied filters: {"regions":["morocco","western high atlas"],"commodities":["copper"],"commodity_scope":"primary","document_types":["drill_results","resource_update","metallurgy"],"document_type_match":"any"} Sort: published_at desc Offset: 0; page size: 10 ## First Drill Assay Results from Tirzzit Project - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/first-drill-assay-results-from-tirzzit-project--f8750045-3a25-418a-bbbb-be1e2e6aba87) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/first-drill-assay-results-from-tirzzit-project--f8750045-3a25-418a-bbbb-be1e2e6aba87.md) - Original announcement: 2026-10-21T05:00:02.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-21T07:06:23.770Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-21T07:06:23.770Z - Company: Talisman Metals PLC (TLM) - Original source: [lse](https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/TLM/first-drill-assay-results-from-tirzzit-project/17845073) - Atlas sentiment: 0.586 - Atlas tags: QA/QC Disclosed, True Width Disclosed Talisman Metals PLC has announced the first drill assay results from its Tirzzit Project in Morocco, confirming copper-silver mineralisation within the Late Precambrian basal series. Highlight intercepts include 1.56% Cu and 64 g/t Ag over 2m in hole TRC01. The company is currently conducting an ongoing RC drilling program to define the extent and geometry of the strata. ## Critical Mineral Resources highlight progress in Morocco during first half - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critical-mineral-resources-highlight-progress-in-morocco-during-first-half--316f635c-ccc5-4d4d-805d-9d5c078b6040) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critical-mineral-resources-highlight-progress-in-morocco-during-first-half--316f635c-ccc5-4d4d-805d-9d5c078b6040.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-30T14:12:18.193Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-30T14:33:19.647Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-30T14:33:19.647Z - Company: Critical Mineral Resources PLC (CMRS) - Original source: [proactiveinvestors](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1099381/critical-mineral-resources-highlight-progress-in-morocco-during-first-half-1099381.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.358 - Atlas tags: QA/QC Disclosed Critical Mineral Resources reported interim progress in Morocco, highlighting drilling at the Agadir Melloul project where Zone 1 intercepts exceeded width assumptions. The company strengthened its balance sheet with £1.2 million in cash and expects a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate in Q4. ## Critical Mineral Resources unearths new exploration target in Morocco - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critical-mineral-resources-unearths-new-exploration-target-in-morocco--7a60ddb2-e873-4876-903c-774a8ff06c47) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/critical-mineral-resources-unearths-new-exploration-target-in-morocco--7a60ddb2-e873-4876-903c-774a8ff06c47.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-23T08:32:34.541Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-23T08:39:00.810Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-23T08:39:00.810Z - Company: Critical Mineral Resources PLC (CMRS) - Original source: [proactiveinvestors](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1098949/critical-mineral-resources-unearths-new-exploration-target-in-morocco-1098949.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.498 - Atlas tags: Step-Out Extension, Bonanza Intercept, No QA/QC Disclosure Critical Mineral Resources reported significant drill results at the Agadir Melloul project in Morocco, uncovering a new high-grade silver structure associated with massive sulphides. Notable intercepts include 8m at 0.58% Cu and 147 g/t Ag in hole BH174, alongside extensions of existing copper-silver mineralisation. ## CULICO METALS AND KHARROUBA COPPER COMPANY ANNOUNCE MERGER TO CREATE A HIGH-GRADE MOROCCAN COPPER MINING AND EXPLORATION COMPANY - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/culico-metals-and-kharrouba-copper-company-announce-merger-to-create-a-high-grad--b97733e6-bec2-4bb6-9d9a-f085959ea277) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/culico-metals-and-kharrouba-copper-company-announce-merger-to-create-a-high-grad--b97733e6-bec2-4bb6-9d9a-f085959ea277.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-09T13:46:27.521Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Culico Metals Inc. (CLCO) - Original source: [cnw](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/culico-metals-and-kharrouba-copper-company-announce-merger-to-create-a-high-grade-moroccan-copper-mining-and-exploration-company-847419180.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.514 - Atlas tags: Nearology Play, Mill Route, Gravity Route Culico Metals Inc. and Kharrouba Copper Company Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement to merge, creating a high-grade copper mining and exploration company in Morocco. The combined entity will benefit from KCC's producing assets and processing facility alongside Culico's strong balance sheet, with US$16.1 million in combined liquidity. ## CULICO METALS AND KHARROUBA COPPER COMPANY ANNOUNCE MERGER TO CREATE A HIGH-GRADE MOROCCAN COPPER MINING AND EXPLORATION COMPANY - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/culico-metals-and-kharrouba-copper-company-announce-merger-to-create-a-high-grad--cbacc443-636e-4181-98eb-33b92bc8f313) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/culico-metals-and-kharrouba-copper-company-announce-merger-to-create-a-high-grad--cbacc443-636e-4181-98eb-33b92bc8f313.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-09T11:46:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Culico Metals Inc. (CLCO.V) - Original source: [orestocks](https://orestocks.com/company/CLCO.V/press-releases/6733377039590923) - Atlas sentiment: 0.514 - Atlas tags: QA/QC Disclosed, Apparent Width Only, Mill Route, Gravity Route Culico Metals Inc. and Kharrouba Copper Company Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement to merge, creating a debt-free copper company focused on Moroccan assets. The combined entity will have US$16.1 million in liquidity and access to KCC's permitted processing facility and high-grade copper exploration targets. ## Aya Gold & Silver to Acquire Copper-Silver Portfolio - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/aya-gold-silver-to-acquire-copper-silver-portfolio--05582eef-b9fb-4853-aeeb-1f6e40348165) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/aya-gold-silver-to-acquire-copper-silver-portfolio--05582eef-b9fb-4853-aeeb-1f6e40348165.md) - Original announcement: 2026-09-01T00:00:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (AYA) - Original source: [globenewswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/01/3353960/0/en/aya-gold-silver-to-acquire-copper-silver-portfolio.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.358 - Atlas tags: Nearology Play, Apparent Width Only Aya Gold & Silver has entered an agreement to acquire a 139 km² copper-silver exploration portfolio in Morocco for C$4.0 million. The acquisition consolidates land near the company's Zgounder Silver Mine and provides exposure to high-grade copper and silver surface showings. ## Morocco Strategic Minerals Advances Multiple High-Grade Copper Targets Across its Western High Atlas District - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/morocco-strategic-minerals-advances-multiple-high-grade-copper-targets-across-it--a948090e-1e75-4d92-886a-4a4851b6735c) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/morocco-strategic-minerals-advances-multiple-high-grade-copper-targets-across-it--a948090e-1e75-4d92-886a-4a4851b6735c.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Morocco Strategic Minerals Corporation (MCC) - Original source: [globenewswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/08/20/3348247/0/en/morocco-strategic-minerals-advances-multiple-high-grade-copper-targets-across-its-western-high-atlas-district.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.586 - Atlas tags: None Morocco Strategic Minerals announced high-grade copper and silver results from systematic underground and surface channel sampling at Ouneine, alongside selective grab and historical stockpile samples from Tanfit and Ijoukak. These findings are being integrated with geological mapping to refine and prioritize drill targets across the Western High Atlas District in Morocco. The company aims to commence its first phase of drilling as rapidly as practicable, subject to technical validation and permitting. ## Royal Road Minerals Announces Scout Drilling Results from the Lalla Aziza Copper Project, Kingdom of Morocco - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/royal-road-minerals-announces-scout-drilling-results-from-the-lalla-aziza-copper--4f3009b1-197d-4888-9cca-f7db2c2f8492) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/royal-road-minerals-announces-scout-drilling-results-from-the-lalla-aziza-copper--4f3009b1-197d-4888-9cca-f7db2c2f8492.md) - Original announcement: 2025-07-14T11:30:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Royal Road Minerals Limited (RYR) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/RYR/news/6375494267968984/royal-road-minerals-announces-scout-drilling-results-from-the-lalla-aziza-copper) - Atlas sentiment: 0.604 - Atlas tags: Scout Drilling, Apparent Width Only, QA/QC Disclosed, QP/CP Signed, Open Pit Potential, Step-Out Extension Royal Road Minerals announced encouraging initial scout drilling results from its Lalla Aziza copper project in Morocco, with several holes intersecting significant copper grades. The program, which is the first exploration drilling at the project, confirmed economically significant copper mineralization and identified potential for a 'starter'-style open-pit mine. The company plans further mapping and geophysics to define future drill targets, while noting that true widths of the intersections are not yet determined. # Atlas tag definitions - **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm. - **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length. - **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit. - **QA/QC Disclosed:** Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates). - **Compositing Transparent:** Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness. - **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty. - **No QA/QC Disclosure:** Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document. - **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Deleterious Elements Present:** Penalty elements (arsenic, antimony, etc.) or refractory concerns noted in the release. - **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery. - **Nearology Play:** Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results. - **Measured Resource:** Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves. - **Indicated Resource:** Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves. - **Proven Reserve:** Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Probable Reserve:** Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal. - **Tonnage Growth:** Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved. - **Grade Improvement:** Average resource grade improved vs prior estimate — better deposit economics. - **Contained Metal Growth:** True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes. - **QP/CP Signed:** Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience. - **Cut-off Disclosed:** Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. - **JORC Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard. - **NI 43-101 Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard. - **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone. - **All Inferred:** 100% of resource is Inferred category — very early stage, no engineering confidence. - **Grade Decline:** Average grade dropped >5% vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling. - **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down. - **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning. - **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain. - **Dilutive Growth:** Tonnage increased but contained metal flat or down — likely from lower cut-off grade, not geological expansion. - **Cut-off Lowered:** Cut-off grade significantly reduced vs prior estimate — tonnage growth may be artificial inflation. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling. - **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding. - **No Contained Metal:** Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting. - **No QP/CP Disclosure:** No Qualified Person or Competent Person named — lower credibility for the estimate. A QP/CP should be a member of a recognized professional association with relevant experience. - **Maiden Resource:** First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component. - **Resource Update:** Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. - **PEA-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. - **PFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component. - **DFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence. - **High Recovery:** Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route. - **Pilot Scale Complete:** Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation. - **Free Milling:** Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation. - **Multi-Domain Tested:** Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed. - **Recovery Improving:** Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route. - **Low Recovery:** Recovery below the weak band for the commodity and processing route. - **Bench Scale Only:** Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Single Domain Only:** Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established. - **Recovery Stagnant:** No improvement across multiple test programs on comparable material. - **Theoretical Recovery Only:** Only theoretical or liberation-derived recovery reported, with no actual test result. - **Heap Leach Route:** Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected. - **Mill Route:** Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation). - **Gravity Route:** Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet. - **POX/BIOX Route:** Pressure or bio-oxidation for refractory ore — high CAPEX and OPEX. - **Byproduct Commodity:** The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.