Mibladen mining district

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Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco

Mibladen (Bou-Selloum; Mibladén; Mibladan; Mibladene; Miblanden)

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Key Information

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  • Mibladen mining district is located 25 km northeast of Midelt, Morocco, in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region, known for vanadinite crystals.

  • It produces vanadinite, wulfenite, barite, galena, cerussite, and anglesite, with vanadinite being world-famous.

  • The geological structure consists of Liassic limestones and dolomites, formed through hydrothermal processes.

  • Mining started in 1907, operated by French companies until 1983, with recent vanadinite finds in 2019 and 2022.

  • The area has a Berber cultural influence, with traditional crafts like carpets, and a cold desert climate with snowy winters.

Geographic Location

Mibladen mining district sits in the heart of Morocco, about 25 km northeast of Midelt town, in the Drâa-Tafilalet Region. This area is nestled between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges, offering a high elevation of around 1,500 meters above sea level. Midelt is known for its apple production and serves as a gateway to the Saharan dunes at Merzouga, with nearby attractions like the Gorges d’Aouli and Cirque de Jaffar adding to its appeal for visitors.

Minerals Produced

The district is renowned for its vanadinite crystals, celebrated for their vibrant red hues and hexagonal shapes, making them highly sought after by collectors. Other minerals include wulfenite, barite, galena, cerussite, and anglesite, each contributing to the area's mineralogical richness.

Geological Structure and Mining History

The mineral deposits are hosted in Liassic limestones and dolomites from the early Jurassic period, formed through hydrothermal processes where mineral-rich fluids moved through the rocks. Mining began in 1907, with French companies operating from 1912 to 1983. Since then, local miners have continued to explore for collectible minerals, with significant vanadinite discoveries in 2019 and 2022 sparking renewed interest.

Local Culture and Climate

The region is deeply rooted in Berber culture, known for traditional crafts like carpets and blankets, often sold in local markets. The climate is a cold desert type, with cold winters featuring snow and hot summers, influencing both the local ecology and the types of minerals formed.

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