Four Man Mine
Taouz Caïdat, Er-Rissani Cercle, Errachidia Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Four Man Mine is in Taouz, Morocco, part of the Sahara Desert, near Marzouga’s famous dunes.
It produces vanadinite, goethite, quartz, and other minerals, with vanadinite being particularly prized.
Research suggests the mine’s minerals formed in hydrothermal veins within sedimentary rocks.
Mining seems to be small-scale, named for a four-person crew, with limited historical details.
The area has a desert climate, with oases like Taouz supporting local life and mining.
Geographic Location
The Four Man Mine is located in Taouz Caïdat, Er-Rissani Cercle, Errachidia Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco, at approximately 30° North and 4° West, with a margin of error of about 52km. This remote site is nestled in southwestern Morocco, part of the vast Sahara Desert, near the small oasis village of Taouz. It’s close to Marzouga, known for its towering sand dunes, a popular tourist spot. Nearby mining areas like Mefis and Tadaout add to the region’s mineral richness.
Minerals Produced
The mine is renowned for vanadinite, a vibrant orange-to-red mineral prized by collectors for its hexagonal crystals. Other minerals include goethite, quartz, calcite, siderite, malachite, and manganese oxides, reflecting the area’s lead-zinc deposits. These minerals highlight Taouz’s status as a hotspot for mineral enthusiasts.
Geological Structure
Research suggests the Four Man Mine’s minerals formed in hydrothermal veins cutting through sedimentary rocks, likely from the Paleozoic or Mesozoic eras. The broader Taouz area, with over 20 veins around Jbel Tadaout, shows a complex geological history shaped by tectonic activity, including the Pan-African and Hercynian orogenies.
Mining History
The mine’s name, “Four Man Mine,” indicates it was likely worked by a small crew, suggesting a modest operation. While specific historical details are sparse, the Taouz region has a long mining tradition, with key workings like Mefis (notable for its 40m-thick Contamine vein). Morocco’s mining history dates back centuries, with modern activities resurging in the 1990s.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Taouz is a small oasis settlement where date palm cultivation sustains local communities, blending traditional desert life with mining. Nearby Marzouga, famous for its dunes, attracts tourists, adding a cultural contrast. The area reflects Morocco’s rich heritage, with Berber influences and a history of trade.
Climate and Ecology
The Drâa-Tafilalet Region has an arid desert climate, with hot days and cool nights, receiving minimal rainfall. The ecology is typical of deserts, with sparse vegetation and wildlife adapted to harsh conditions. Oases like Taouz support agriculture, crucial for mining operations in this arid environment.