ACF Mine

Mindat.org

Mibladen, Aït Oufella Caïdat, Midelt Cercle, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

Assif Mine

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Key Information

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  • The ACF Mine in Mibladen, Morocco, is a renowned locality for vanadinite, a striking red mineral prized by collectors.

  • It is located in central Morocco, between the Middle and High Atlas mountains, near Midelt, known as the "Apple City."

  • The mine features sedimentary rocks from the Lower Jurassic, with minerals formed through lead ore oxidation.

  • Mining started in the early 20th century, was active until the 1970s, and now involves local miners for specimen collection.

  • The area has a rich Berber culture, with traditional music and hospitality, and a cold desert climate with snowy winters and hot summers.

Geographic Location

The ACF Mine is situated in Mibladen, about 25 km northeast of Midelt city, in the Midelt Province of Morocco's Drâa-Tafilalet Region. This central Moroccan locale lies between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges, at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, offering stunning mountain and valley views. Midelt, the nearest major town, is famous for its apple production, adding a unique agricultural charm to the region.

Minerals Produced

The mine is world-famous for its vanadinite, a lead vanadium chloride mineral known for its vibrant red to orange hexagonal crystals, highly sought after by mineral enthusiasts. Other minerals found here include cerussite, baryte, and wulfenite, each contributing to the locality's appeal for collectors.

Geological Structure and Mining History

The ACF Mine is part of a stratiform deposit hosted in Liassic limestones and dolomites, sedimentary rocks from the Lower Jurassic period. The minerals, particularly vanadinite, formed through the oxidation of lead ores like galena in the presence of vanadium. Mining in the Mibladen district began with French companies from 1926 to 1949, with over 600 shafts worked. The mine closed in the 1970s, and today, local miners manually extract vanadinite specimens, continuing the area's mining legacy.

Local Culture and Climate

Mibladen and Midelt are steeped in Berber culture, featuring traditional music, art, and warm hospitality, with opportunities to explore nearby Berber villages. Midelt, known as the "Apple City," hosts bustling markets reflecting local life. The climate is cold desert, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers, ideal for visiting in spring or fall for mild weather and vibrant scenery.

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