Annual Report 2008 - Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines

His Majesty King Mohammed VI

Contents 

Message from the Managing Director 4 

International environment and national situation 6 

Highlights 10 

Petroleum exploration 11 

Petroleum participations and cooperation 21 

Petroleum drillings and production 24 

Oil shale 26 

Mining exploration 27 

Mining participations and cooperation 39 

Mining drillings 41 

Human resources 43 

Computer technology and information system 46 

Activity Report 2008

MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING DIRECTOR 

The year 2008 confirmed the continuing improvement of the performances of ONHYM in comparison 

with the previous year with regard to the tangible results achieved in both mining and hydrocarbon 

exploration, two core activities that were led in synergy with the development of several partnerships. 

This was shown, in particular, by an extension of prospecting zones and an intensification of the work 

undertaken, allowing the identification of encouraging prospects. 

For ONHYM, 2008 has been year of continuity and deepening of its activities with a maintained 

pace in spite of the disturbances undergone by the international markets of the mineral and energy 

raw materials. The budgets dedicated to the mining and oil exploration recorded a slight increase 

compared to the year 2007. 

Petroleum Exploration concerned a mining domain of nearly 321 707 km 2 against 288 349 km 2 in the 

previous year, mainly as a result of the conclusion of two new petroleum agreements and three new 

reconnaissance contracts associating new international operators. 

Exploration efforts of our partners concerned the realization of four drilling wells among which one in 

offshore, and the acquisition of 2 431 km of 2D seismic survey and 486 km 2 of 3D seismic survey, 

recording a net progress compared to the year 2007. Gravimetric and magneto metric airborne 

surveys, covering 6 4351 km, as well as the ground gravimetric campaign (2578 stations) were also 

carried out in areas that have been until now underexplored. 

Anomalies and potential structures, play concepts and promising prospects were identified on 

several permits, both offshore and onshore. Some studies were conclusive enough to identify the 

location of twelve wells and to start the preparation of platforms for their realization in 2009. 

The various steps for the development of the oil shales in the frame of partnerships have noticeably 

progressed on the Tarfaya and Timahdit deposits. 

As far as Mining Exploration is concerned, research themes were diversified and the activity has 

been focused on the most promising zones, thanks to the intensification of a conceptual targeting, 

which allowed the identification of new objectives. 

The works performed in a mining domain including 855 licenses, concerned 26 objectives among 

which 16 for precious metals, 8 for basic metals and 2 for rocks and industrial minerals. 

In continuity of the previous years, works have been achieved on the most prospective zones of 

the Anti Atlas, the High Atlas Mountains and Jebilets-Guemassa, with a sustained research effort in 

the Southern provinces, where an important campaign of regional geochemistry was achieved. The 

projects that have been given a particular interest include Azouggar N’Tilili’s (polymetallic-gold), Glibat 

4 

Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines

Lafhouda and Twihinate (Fe, Nb, Ta, U and light rare 

earths) and Lafwila, for the gold bearing structures. A 

new prospect was also identified at Lamlaga (Fe, Nb, 

Ta, U and light rare earths). 

A call for tender was launched for the transfer of 

Azouggar N’Tilili’s project after the conclusive results 

of the orientation study which has been carried on this 

project. 

The certification in compliance with the ISO 9001 

reference, version 2000, was resumed in 2008 for the 

mines laboratories. 

Mining drilling activity recorded this year a considerable recovery as the volume of works increased 

by 52 % compared to the year 2007. 

The information system registered the implementation of the projects, retained in the frame of the 

master plan finalized in 2007, according to the «project management» methods adopted in the charter 

of functioning. The realization of these projects involving petroleum and mining exploration activities, 

finances, logistics, human resources and data processing infrastructure, will allow ONHYM to better 

master its data in terms of safety, reliability and availability. It will also allow ONHYM to become eligible 

to the subsequent control of the State. 

Concerning the human resources, two operations of simplification and clarification of the 

management methods have been completed. The first one concerned the harmonization of the 

rules of management for the entire staff, and the second concerned the implementation of the time 

management system. 

These are the main lines of the activity of ONHYM during the year 2008. Thanks to the commitment 

of its partners and to the devotion of its staff, ONHYM could achieve its objectives, thus contributing 

to the economic and social development of Morocco, under the High Guidance of HIS MAJESTY 

THE KING, May GOD glorify Him. 

Activity Report 2008 

Amina BENKHADRA 

5

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT & NATIONAL SITUATION 

The financial and economic crises that marked 

the year 2008 have led to historical increases in 

oil prices and to reduced consumption. 

As for mining products, 2008 was characterized 

by an unprecedented reversal of situation. 

The investments in oil exploration and mining 

continued to grow significantly. 

Morocco has implemented a new strategy with 

a view to secure its energy supplies. 

6 

International environment 

The world economy : from financial to 

economic crisis 

After an exceptional year 2007 on several 

respects, 2008 is viewed as the year that 

witnessed the worst financial crisis since the 

1928 depression. The premonitory symptoms 

started in August 2007 in the United States 

with the subprime mortgage crisis. The financial 

crisis expanded progressively to Europe and 

Japan thus causing the collapse of the main 

stock exchanges and compelling the main 

industrialized countries to intervene by injecting 

liquid assets by billions of dollars with an eye to 

save their banking system. 

The financial crisis has had negative impacts on 

the real economy with the entry into recession 

of the main industrialized economies. The world 

Gross Domestic Product growth passed from 

5.2 % in 2007 to 3.4 % in 2008 according to 

the International Monetary Funds which expects 

a regression of 0.5 % for 2009. 

Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines 

International oil environment : a more and 

more unstable market 

From 50 dollar/b in January 2007, crude oil 

prices rose to 100 dollars in January 2008 to 

reach a record level of 147 dollars in July 2008. 

As a result of the slowdown of the world activity, 

crude oil prices fell back to their level of January 

2007. 

If demand in emerging countries like China, 

India and Brazil and speculation were the main 

causes for the oil price surges throughout the 

last three years, the drop in oil prices, started in 

the summer of 2008, reflects the fall off in world 

oil demand following the slowdown of economic 

activity in the large industrialized countries which 

expanded to the rest of the world. This has led 

the International Energy Agency (IEA) to revise 

its world oil consumption forecasts downwards 

for 2008 which are estimated at 86.2 million 

b/d. 

Despite this collapse in oil prices, the world 

enters an era of expensive oil which will 

remain, however, marked by volatile prices 

and intermittent unbalanced markets. If 

the investments required for strengthening 

infrastructures, increasing production capacities 

and providing against the decline in reserves by 

new discoveries are not implemented from now 

on to meet the demand that will grow as soon 

as revival comes back, the world will face new 

oil crises. 

In the upstream oil sector, world E&P investment 

rose by 19 % in 2008, and should settle in 2009, 

according to Institut Français de Pétrole (IFP).

$/b 

150 

140 

130 

120 

110 

100 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Evolution of crude oil prices in 2008 

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 

Annual average 

* Brent, Rotterdam quotation 

International mining environment : a 

reversal of situation after historical records 

The international financial crisis and the 

slowdown of the world economic activity have 

led to a drop in demand especially of industrial 

metals. 

After pulverizing all high records, base metal 

prices started a decrease from the summer 

2008 and came back to 2004 -2005 levels. 

Thus, the average copper prices dropped 

by 3 % compared with 2007 ; those of lead 

and zinc fell by 19 % and 43 % respectively, 

compared with 2007. On the other hand, tin 

improved its performances by posting an 

average of US$ 18 467 per tonne in 2008 

against US$ 14 513 the previous year. Precious 

metals prices maintained their upward trend 

started two years before and gold recorded 


2005 2006 2007 2008 

Source : IFP 

an average increase of 25 % compared with 

2007 ; the rates of gold increased by 12 %. 

The consequences of this reversal in the 

international environment begin to be felt. 

Thus, the Anglo-Australian group BHP Billiton 

has recently given up its takeover bid hostile 

to its compatriot but competitor Rio Tinto. On 

the other hand, Arcelor-Mittal, the largest steel 

company in the world has recently announced 

production and job cuts in its steelworks 

throughout the world. 

However, worldwide nonferrous and precious 

metals exploration budgets reached US$ 

13.2 billion in 2008, up 26 % compared with 

2007. This sixth consecutive yearly increase 

is accounted for by the unprecedented levels 

of global metal prices reached over the last 

years. 

7

8 

(US$ Billion) 

$15 

$12 

$9 

$6 

$3 

$0 

89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 

Nonferrous Exploration Total Relative Copper Price 

Uranium Exploration Total 

National environment 

Worldwide exploration budgets 

Source : Publication of Metals Economics Group – November 2008. 

Energy situation : a new national energy 

strategy 

In 2008, the national energy scene was marked 

by the working out by the Ministry of Energy, 

Mines, Water and Environment of a new energy 

strategy that will help endow the energy sector 

with a clear vision for the medium and long term 

to ensure availability of energy in Morocco in the 

best conditions in terms of supplies and costs. 

The national energy scene was strongly 

impacted by the surge in crude oil and coal 

prices on the international markets. The oil bill 

rose from 52 billion DH in 2007 to 71 billion DH 

in 2008. 


Relative Gold Price 

The energy consumption was about 14.7 Mtoe 

deriving basically from petroleum products 

(60.9 %) and coal (25.8 %). This consumption 

was met up to 97.5 % by imports. 

3,0 

2,5 

2,0 

1,5 

1,0 

0,5 

Relative Gold and Copper Prices (1989=1)

Electricity demand reached 24.002,8 GWH in 

2008 against 22.608,1 GWH in 2007 recording 

a 6.2 % increase. 

The consumption of petroleum products 

reached 8.962 million tonnes in 2007, a rise of 

11.2 %. 

The investments made in the energy sector 

passed from 10 billion DH in 2007 to 17billion 

DH in 2008. 

Mining sector : good performances despite a 

difficult international environment 

In 2008, the national mining sector registered 

globally satisfactory results despite the reversal 

Wind 

power 

0.5 % 

Petroleum products 

61.6 % 

2002 : 10.5 Mtoe 

Natural 

gas 

0.5 % 

National energy consumption (Mtoe) 

Hydraulic 

electricity 

2.1 % 

Coal 31.9 % 

Imported 

electricity 

3.5 % 

+ 40 % 


occurred at the level of base metal prices 

starting from the second half of 2008 and 

the slowdown of phosphates world demand 

occurred in the third quarter of the year following 

the worsening of the world financial crisis. 

Thus, despite the drop in mining exports volume 

in 2008, the sales have more than doubled, 

rising from 34 billion DH in 2007 to more than 

77 billion DH in 2008. The sales of phosphates 

and their by-products accounted for 78 % of 

this turnover. 

Wind 

power 

0.5 % 

Petroleum products 

60.9 % 

2008 : 14.7 Mtoe 

Hydraulic 

electricity 

1.6 % 

Natural 

gas 

3.7 % 

Coal 25.8 % 

Imported 

electricity 

7.5 % 

9

HIGHLIGHTS 

10 

Hydrocarbons 

• Acquisition of 2431, 5 km of 2D seismic data, 

486 sq km of 3D seismic data, 58 stations 

of ADD-HR, and 64 351 km of airborne 

gravimetric and magnetometric surveys and 

2578 stations of land gravimetric surveys ; 

• Drilling of 4 wells one of which is offshore ; 

• Nomination of ONHYM as manager of the 

royalty for the transit of Algerian gas via the 

Moroccan territory ; 

• Signature of two new Petroleum Agreements 

and three Reconnaissance Contracts for 

hydrocarbon exploration and production ; 

• Conclusion of two memoranda of understanding 

(MoU) and a confidentiality agreement 

for the development of oil shale potential ; 

• Signature of a cooperation and data exchange 

agreement ; 

• Signature of a grant agreement for the financing 

of a study project for data management. 

Mines 


• Launching of an international bid for the 

cession of Azouggar N’tilili polymetallic-gold 

deposit in Tan Tan province ; 

• Confirmation of the importance of Glibat 

Lafhouda and Twihinat prospects in Fe, Nb, 

Ta, U and light rare earth (Awserd province) ; 

• Completion of the geochemical survey 

subcontracted run in Awserd region and 

start of first control works of circumscribed 

anomalies ; 

• Carrying on of feasibility study on Achemmach 

deposit (tin in El Hajeb province) in partnership 

with Kasbah Resources (Australia) ; 

• Conclusion of two new mining draft 

agreements, a memorandum of understanding 

(MoU) and two cession contracts.

PETROLEUM EXPLORATION 

The year 2008 has seen a momentum for 

onshore and offshore explorations which 

resulted in the opening of new frontier areas 

and a greater diversification in exploration 

objectives. 

Moreover, a larger use of 3D seismics, a major 

tool for exploration, was made and was extended 

to the shallower and onshore objectives. 

2008 showed a resumption of exploration drilling 

activities with some promising results. 

Onhym’s activity 

Petroleum exploration of the Moroccan 

sedimentary basins, by ONHYM’s own 

means, was carried out in 2008 and was 

characterized by the implementation of the 

following geological and geophysical works : 

• Acquisition of the remaining 3D seismic 

program on Meskala-Toukimt zone, covering 

a surface of 161 sq km over 185 sq km ; 


Hydrocarbon licensing 

Compared to the year 2007, the license and 

acreage awarding for hydrocarbon exploration 

registered in 2008 an important increase of 

89 %. Onshore, more than 90 % of the surface 

open to exploration were covered by exploration 

permits or reconnaissance contracts. 

By the end of 2008, the licensing domain is 

broken down as follows : 

Designation ONHYM Partnership Area sq km 

Onshore exploration permits 13 25 184.90 

Onshore exploration permits 52 90 136.49 

Offshore exploration permits 41 73 164.77 

Onshore reconnaissance licenses 7 128 182.80 

Offshore reconnaissance licenses 1 4 921.50 

Exploitation concessions 6 98.51 

Exploitation concessions 4 18.85 

Total 321 707.82 

11

12 

Safi-Ifni offshore 

• Objectives : Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary 

• Petroleum reevaluation 

• Promotion 

ONHYM’S EXPLORATION WORKS IN 2008 

ATLANTIC OCEAN 

1 


3 

2 

MAURITANIA 

Boujdour onshore 

• Objectives : Cretaceous and Tertiary 

• Seismic processing of 530 Km of 2D seismics 

• Seismic interpretation 

• Definition of play concepts and leads 

MEDITERRANEAN SEA 

ALGERIA 

Meskala-Toukimt 

• Objectives : Triassic and Jurassic 

• Acquisition of 3D seismics (161 sq Km) 

• Seismic processing of 185 sq Km 

• Studies and development

• Processing of new 2D seismic data on 

Boujdour (530 km), and 3D seismic data on 

Essaouira basin (185 sq Km) ; 

• Assessment of Boujdour onshore basin 

petroleum potential, highlighting especially 

the potential play concepts and leads ; 

• 2D and 3D seismic interpretation on stations 

and geochemical and geological modeling 

aimed at assessing the petroleum potential 

of the various areas under study. 

Evaluation surveys 

By its own means,ONHYM has carried out 

three projects started in the previous year, on 

Boujdour coastal areas and Meskala-Toukimt 

onshore fields, and on the offshore segments 

between Safi and Ifni. 

Regional reconnaissance on Boujdour coastal 

zones 

This project, which was launched to determine 

the petroleum potential of Boujdour Meso- 

Cenozoic basin, has focused on petrographical, 

petrophysical and logging analyses, 

geochemical and geological modelling that 

confirmed the development of source rocks 

and reservoirs in Boujdour coastal areas.The 

interpretation of 530 km of 2D seismic data 

newly acquired on these regions, has led to 

the mapping of fault bounded and associated 

to amplitude anomalies within the Cretaceous 

series. The integration of all available geological 

and geophysical data has helped to define 

potential play concepts and leads at the level 

of Lower and Upper Cretaceous formations. 

The drilling of a stratigraphic well, scheduled for 

2009, will be located on the best structure to 


test objectives of Upper Cretaceous and define 

the petroleum systems of the Jurassic and 

Lower Cretaceous sequences in this area. 

Appreciation and development of Meskala 

and Toukimt fields 

The acquisition and processing of 185 sq km 

of 3D seismics, started at the end of 2007 on 

Meskala and Toukimt fields, was completed in 

2008. The ongoing interpretation of these data 

aims at defining new promising blocks and 

assessing the distribution of producing Triassic 

and Jurassic reservoirs. 

On the other hand, a new sedimentology and 

diagenesis study, focused on carbonates from 

the Callo-Oxfordian, contributed to gain a better 

comprehension of the characteristics of these 

reservoirs. 

Play concept controls of Safi-Ifni offshore 

segment 

3D seismic data on deep zones and 2D data 

on shallow zones were interpreted. The field 

geological studies and additional geochemical 

analyses were carried out with the help of 3 

consulting experts. These works have permitted 

to highlight other play concepts and prospects 

13

and to outline the main trends of Cretaceous 

and Tertiary reservoirs distribution. 

Promotion 

As part of actions aimed at promoting the 

Moroccan sedimentary basins to worldwide 

petroleum industry, ONHYM’s work efforts 

have largely concentrated on the Atlantic 

offshore segment. In this regard, ONHYM has 

attended 9 international events, among which 

APEX, NAPE, NATC, AAPG annual convention, 

Offshore Technology Conference, EAGE, WPC, 

AAPG international convention and SEG. 

This work effort was crowned with the signature 

of 3 reconnaissance licenses : «Haut Atlas», 

«Missour Ouest» and «Essaouira Shallow 

Offshore» and 2 petroleum agreements on 

Bas Draa and Essaouira Deep Offshore. On 

the other hand, negotiations are under way on 

blocks off Agadir. 

14 

Partners’ activity 

The exploration activity of Onhym’s partners, in 

2008, was marked by a notable increase, mainly 

onshore. The main activities are summarized as 

follows : 

• The implementation of two airborne 

magnetic/ gravity surveys totaling 64 351 

km on Boudenib, Ouarzazate and Zag-Bas 

Draa basins and of a detailed continental 

gravimetric coverage of 2578 stations on 

Boudenib ; 

• The acquisition of 2 431.5 km of 2D seismic 

data (1 480 km offshore and 951.5 km 

onshore) and 325 sq km of 3D seismic 

onshore ; 


• The drilling of 4 wells, RSC-1 on Rabat-Salé 

Haute Mer permits, ONZ-6 and CGD-9 on 

Sebou permit and FES-1 on Fès permit ; 

• The finalization of geological and geophysical 

studies and interpretations led to preparation 

of platforms of several drilling that will be 

conducted early 2009 (Anchois on Tanger– 

Larache permit), TAJ-1 on Bouanane, 

OZW-1, OZW-2 on Tissa-Ouezzane, KSR-8, 

CGD-10, CGD-11 and ONZ-7 on Sebou and 

HR-33 to 36 on Tselfat permit. 

Offshore zones 

Tanger – Larache permits (Repsol / Dana / 

Gas Natural) 

The encouraging results of the economic and 

feasibility study have enabled Repsol Company 

and its associates to drill their first well on 

Anchois prospect. Drilling is expected to take 

place, in January 2009. 

Rabat-Salé Haute Mer permits (Petronas) 

The Malaysian company Petronas has 

executed, over the period ranging from January 

5, 2008 to February 10, 2008, the drilling of 

RSC-1 well, located offshore Rabat-Salé at a

water depth of 2 187 m, and has reached the 

final depth of 4 217 m. 

Stratigraphical, geochemical and seismic 

reinterpretation analyses, provided within the 

framework of a ‘postmortem’ study are being 

finalized in an effort to redirect the future 

exploration works in this zone. 

Casablanca offshore permits (MPE) 

Play concepts and Paleozoic prospects have 

been defined in this segment. A new agreement 

is under negotiation to carry on with the 

evaluation of the oil potential in these zones. 

Loukos offshore permit (MPE) 

The geological and geophysical studies and 

interpretations have led to the highlighting of 

Mesozoic and Tertiary oil play concepts and 

prospects. 

Other exploration works, on the Atlantic offshore 

permits, are under negotiation and will lead to a 

new agreement. 

Safi offshore Nord Ouest permits (Statoil- 

Hydro / Dana) 

The promotion survey and the data room 

organized by the Statoil-Hydro / Dana companies 

did not attract other associates to share the 

drilling risk in these permits. The region was 

finally abandoned and will be integrated as part 

of the promotion of free zones in 2009. 

Agadir Maritime permits (GBP) 

The interpretation of the reprocessed 2D 

seismic data and the integration of the results 


of geological and geochemical surveys have 

led to the definition of potential structures. A 3D 

seismic program of 100 sq km is scheduled in 

2009 to better define the promising prospects. 

Tarfaya Shallow permits (Maersk) 

Two large- size prospects in the Jurassic platform 

have been mapped based on the interpretation 

of 3D seismic data. The promotion survey and 

the data room organized by the company did 

not arouse the interest of other partners to 

share the risk of the first drilling in these permits. 

As a result, the Tarfaya Shallow permits were 

abandoned. 

Ras Juby permit (Genting) 

The estimation of the potential and recoverable 

reserves, in Cap Juby structure, has been 

finalized. The economic feasibility survey and 

research for partners to share the drilling risk 

are underway. 

Boujdour offshore permits (Kosmos) 

The American company Kosmos has acquired, 

reprocessed and interpreted 1 480 km of 2D 

seismic data. New promising prospects have 

been defined and a new 3D seismic coverage 

of 2000 sq km, scheduled at the beginning of 

2009, will help specify and classify by order of 

priority the petroleum targets in these permits. 

Onshore zones 

Ouezzane-Tissa permits (TransAlantic / Direct 

/ Anschutz / Longe) 

Following the encouraging results of the 

interpretation of geophysical data, these partners 

15

scheduled the drilling of two exploration wells 

OZW-1 and OZW-2. Preparations for the drilling 

platform of OZW-1 well are underway. The first 

well will be drilled in early 2009 in an effort to 

test the Jurassic objectives, in the Western 

Prerif basin ; simultaneously, a new ADD-HR 

campaign of 605 measure stations coupled 

with an additional geochemical survey, aimed at 

exploring other potential zones in these permits, 

is underway. 

Asilah permits (TransAlantic / Direct / 

Anschutz / Longe) 

Towards the end of 2008, these partners 

acquired a new 2D seismics coverage totaling 

200.5 km. The processing of these data is 

underway. 

Gharb Centre and Gharb Sud permits (Cabre) 

Exploration works in the region included the 

acquisition and processing of 210 km of 

new 2D seismics aimed at highlighting new 

anomalies and specifying some gas prospects. 

Fès permit (Cabre) 

As part of its commitments over this permit, 

Cabre Company started, on 26 September 

16 


2008, the drilling of FES-1 well. As of December 

31, 2008, the drilling has reached a depth of 

2 807 m at the level of a Miocene series. Gas 

shows have been encountered at the level of 

this Tertiary sequence. The drilling will continue, 

in 2009, to reach the expected final depth of 

3 800 m. 

Moulay Bousselham permit (Heyco) 

A postmortem survey on MED-1 well was 

completed and enabled to direct exploration 

works towards gas targets, at the level of post 

nappe Tertiary. In this regard, ONHYM and 

Heyco undertook new negotiations aimed at 

defining a minimum work program over this 

permit. 

Sebou permit (Circle Oil) 

Circle Oil acquired at the beginning of 2008 an 

additional 3D seismics of 90 sq km covering 

Sebou permit by 145 sq km of 3D seismic 

data. Likewise, the company conducted a 

2D seismic survey of 57 km on the same 

permit. The interpretation of 3D seismics led 

to the identification of more than 80 potential 

anomalies. 

The first wells ONZ-6 and CGD-9, drilled 

between, 26 September and 19 October 

and between 4 and 24 November 2008, 

respectively, enabled to show modest biogenic 

gas accumulations. The recoverable reserves 

are under evaluation by long-term tests. 

The platform of the third well KSR-8, scheduled 

in 2008, was prepared but the bad weather 

conditions postponed the start of the drilling 

until January 2009. Preparations of platforms of 

the three other wells were launched.

Tselfat permit (TransAtlantic) 

This American company acquired 175 sq km of 

3D seismic data in early 2008. The conclusive 

results of geological and geophysical studies 

have led to the positioning of 4 wells HR 33-34- 

35 and 36, with a depth of about 1000 m each 

on Haricha zone. The drillings are expected to 

be implemented in 2009. 

Tendrara permits (MPE) 

MPE works on these permits focused on long 

term tests of TE-5 well and on the interpretation 

of reprocessed 2D seismic data. New play 

concepts and Triassic petroleum prospects 

have been delineated on the north western 

zones. 

Ounara Est and Ouest permits (MPE) 

Following the reprocessing and interpretation 

of older seismic data, new play concepts have 

been developed and new Triassic and Jurassic 

prospects have been identified. A work program 

is under negotiation in view of concluding a new 

agreement. 

Missour Est reconnaissance zone (MPE) 

In this zone, MPE Company carried on seismic 

processing to complete the petroleum potential 

evaluation. 

Missour Ouest reconnaissance zone (MND) 

MND started the first field surveys bearing on 

sedimentological studies and geochemical 

analyses and is now reprocessing the older 

seismic data. 


Boudenib permit and Ouarzazate 

reconnaissance zone (MND) 

MND acquired 45 562 km of airborne magnetic/ 

gravity lines followed by the implementation 

of a detailed land gravimetric survey of 2 578 

stations. 

On the other hand, MND undertook the 

processing of 2 443 km of 2D seismic lines 

covering Boudenib and Ouarzazate basins. 

The interpretation of magnetic, gravimetric and 

seismic data is under way. 

Tadla and Haut Atlas reconnaissance zone 

(Hunt Oil) 

Hunt Oil acquired in Tadla zone, on the 

northern borders of the High Atlas, 60 sq km 

of 3D seismic data. The preliminary results 

arising from the interpretation of these data 

proved encouraging. On the High Atlas 

reconnaissance zone, works included the 

structural interpretation of satellite images and 

field geological surveys in an effort to define 

the tectonic style and the compounds of the 

petroleum system in the region. 

17

Doukkala-Abda reconnaissance zone (ENI) 

ENI acquired, in early 2008, a 2D seismic 

campaign totaling 484 km.The processing of 

these data and the reprocessing of 1 000 km 

of old seismic lines is underway. Geochemical 

analyses, based on fluid inclusion technology, 

confirmed the hydrocarbon impregnation 

of Paleozoic reservoirs. Other additional 

geochemical works, relating to Triassic reservoirs 

have been implemented. 

Ouest Souss onshore reconnaissance zone 

(GBP) 

The reprocessing and interpretation of 2D 

seismic data, integrated with geological and 

geochemical surveys permitted to highlight the 

petroleum potential in this frontier zone. These 

positive results encouraged GBP to undertake 

negotiations for a minimum work program to 

carry on the exploration of this region. 

Bas Draa permit (Petrocanada/ RWE) 

Following the encouraging results of geological, 

geochemical and magnetic/gravity surveys, this 

reconnaissance zone was converted into an 

exploration permit. The acquisition of 1 400 km 

of 2D seismics was scheduled and preparations 

for the undertaking of this survey started at the 

end of 2008. 

Zag basin reconnaissance zone (San Leon 

Energy / Island Oil & Gas / GB Oil & Gas) 

San Leon Energy and its partners carried out 

airborne magnetic surveys totaling 18 789 km. 

The processing and interpretation of these 

data highlighted the hydrocarbon potential of 

18 


Paleozoic structures in this frontier zone. These 

partners expressed their interest in carrying on 

exploration works in these regions within the 

framework of a new work program. 

Tarfaya onshore permits (Island Oil & Gas / 

San Leon Energy / Longreach) 

The first evaluation works of the petroleum 

potential on these permits concentrated on 

the reprocessing of old seismic data and the 

synthesis of former works and existing studies. 

Haha permits (PEL) 

The field studies conducted, together with 

seismic and gravity reprocessing works, showed 

play concepts at the level of the Paleozoic and 

Triassic. A 2D or 3D seismic campaign is under 

negotiation and will be carried out in 2009. 

Bouanane permit (Dana / Tethys / Eastern) 

Gravity and magnetic modelling and 

interpretation of reprocessed PSTM seismic 

data confirmed and specified the closures of 

Tafejjart structure. TAJ-1 well was spudded on 

this prospect and preparations of the platform 

and access roads are underway. The well is 

scheduled for February 2009. 

Guercif Est and Ouest permits (TransAtlantic / 

Stratic / Longe) 

Works carried out on these permits mainly 

concentrated on the re-entry of MSD-1 well. 

Log operations and tests on potential zones, 

at the Jurassic level, were carried out by the 

end of 2008. No inflow of hydrocarbons, in the 

tested levels, was established.

KOSMOS (Boujdour offshore) 

Acquisition of 1 480 Km of 2D seismics 

PARTNERS’ EXPLORATION WORKS IN 2008 

TRANSATLANTIC/DIRECT/ANSCHUTZ/LONGE (Tissa-Ouezzane) 

Acquisition of 58 stations ADD-HR 

TRANSATLANTIC/DIRECT/ANSCHUTZ/LONGE (Asilah) 

Acquisition of 200,5 Km of 2D seismics 

PETRONAS (Rabat-Salé) 

Drilling of a well RSC-1 (FD : 4 217 m) 

CABRE (Gharb Centre and South) 

Acquisition of 210 Km of 2D seismics 


CIRCLE OIL (Sebou) 

Acquisition of 90 Km2 of 3D seismics 

and 57 Km of 2D seismics 

Drilling of 2 wells : ONZ-6 (FD : 1 000 m) 

and CDG-9 (FD : 975 m) 

99I 100 

116 

114 Agadir 

adir 

115 

163 

167 

Tarfaya 

161 162 164 166 169 

El Aioun 

79 

82 

85 

81 

83 

80 

Boujdour 

84 

86 87 

88 89 

90 

92 

91 

93 94 

151 

153 

152 

154 

155 

108 

156 

78 

157 

117 

118 

119 

120 

121 

122 

123 

124 

125 

95 

98 96 

126 

127 

128 

129 

97 

ENI (Doukkala) 

Acquisition of 484 Km of 2D seismics 

104 

Ifni 

165 

MAURITANIA 


168 

CABRE (Fès) 

Drilling of Fès-1 well under way-Depth 

reached 2807 m 

Tetouan 

48 

130 

Nador 

131 

47 49 

Al Hoceima 

52 60 109 

56 53 12 101 110 111 

55 

106 

54 

58 

103 

57 

105 112 113 150 149 

59 RABAT 102 

160 

13 14 

Tanger 

Casablanca 

15 

10 

Safi 107 

135 

135 

171 

172 17 16 Marrakech 

173 170 132 

174 

133 

134 

Ouarzazate 

SLE/LOG/GB OIL AND GAS (Zag Basin) 

Carrying out of 18 789 Km of airborne magnetic data 

148 

TRANSATLANTIC (Tselfat) 


159 


158 

6 

Melilla 

7 

Nador 

Oujda 

51 

50 

11 

8 

9 

ALGERIA 

MND (Boudnib and Ouarzazate) Acquisition 

of 45 562Km of airborne magnetic/gravity data 

and 2578 stations of land gravity 

HUNT OIL (Tadla) 


136 

140 141 142 

138 1 137 

139 

143 

144 

145 

146 

147 

TRANSATLANTIC /STRATIC/LONGE 

(Guercif East and West) 

Workovers on MSD-1 well 

19 

137 

138

Geophysical activity 

Permit/ 

reconnaissance 

zone (RZ) 

Meskala-Toukimt 

concession 

Boujdour offshore 

permits 

Ouezzane Tissa 

permits 

Asilah permits 

Gharb Centre and 

Sud permits 

20 

Company 

2D 

seismics 

(Km) 

3D 

seismics 

(Sq km) 

ONHYM 161 

Kosmos 1 480 

TransAlantic/Direct 

/Anschutz/Longe 

TransAlantic/ 

Direct /Anschutz/ 

Longe 

200.5 

Cabre 210 

Sebou permit Circle Oil 57 90 

Tselfat permit TransAlantic 175 

Boudenib permits 

and Ouarzazate RZ 


ADD-HR 

(Stations) 

58 

Airborne 

gravity and 

magnetic 

(Km) 

Land 

gravimetry 

(Stations) 

MND 45 562 2 578 

Tadla RZ Hunt Oil 60 

Doukkala-Abda RZ ENI 484 

Zag basin RZ 

San Leon Energy, 

Island Oil & Gas 

and GB Oil & Gas 

18 789 

Total 2 431.5 486 58 64 351 2 578 

Drilling activity 

Permit Company Drilling Final interval (m) Dates 

Rabat-Salé Haute Mer Petronas RSC-1 4 217 

Sebou Circle Oil 

SUMMARY OF WORKS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 

ONZ-6 1 000 

CGD-9 975 

Fès Cabre FES-1 2 807 

From 02 January to 10 

February 2008 

From 26 September to 19 

October 2008 

From 04 to 24 November 

2008 

From 26 September to 31 

December 2008

PETROLEUM PARTICIPATIONS & COOPERATION 

In 2008, ONHYM undertook several proactive 

promotion actions and contacts with petroleum 

companies that led to the conclusion of the 

following : 

• Two new petroleum agreements ; 

• Three reconnaissance contracts for the 

exploration and exploitation of conventional 

hydrocarbons ; 

Petroleum agreements 

ONHYM’s partners 

Canamens Energy 

Morocco 

PetroCanada 

exploration Morocco, 

RWE DEA AG 

Number of 

permits 

4 exploration 

permits 

“Essaouira Deep 

Offshore’’ 1 to 4 

10 exploration 

permits 

«Bas Draa 1 to 

10» 

Reconnaissance contracts 

ONHYM’s partners Zone 

Canamens Energy 

Morocco SARL 

Hunt Overseas Oil 

Company 

«Essaouira Shallow 

Offshore» 


• Eight amendments to petroleum agreements ; 

• Five addenda to reconnaissance contracts ; 

• A deed of assignment ; 

• A cooperation agreement ; 

• A grant agreement. 

Zone validity Area sq km Works committed 

«Essaouira Deep 

Offshore» 

«Bas Draa» 

Initial 

validity period 

1 year and 6 

months 

2 years and 

6 months 

12 months 4 921.5 

«Haut Atlas» 12 months 22 875 

MND Morocco Ltd «Missour Ouest» 12 months 13 086.9 

6 808.5 

19 951 

2D seismic survey, 

electromagnetic 

modelling of seabed 

and geological and 

geophysical studies 

Geological work and 

2D seismic survey 

Area sq km Works committed 

2D seismic survey, 

electromagnetic modelling of 

seabed and geological and 

geophysical studies 

Geological and geophysical 

studies 

Geological and geophysical 

studies 

21

22 

Amendments to petroleum agreements 

ONHYM’s partners Zone Amendments Description 

TransAtlantic Morocco Ltd, 

Stratic Exploration Morocco Ltd 

Longe Energy Ltd 

Direct Petroleum Morocco Inc. 

Anschutz Morocco Corporation 




Direct Petroleum Morocco Inc 

Anschutz Morocco Corporation 




Guercif 

Asilah 

Ouezzane-Tissa 

Genting Oil Morocco Ltd Ras Juby Offshore 

Kosmos Energy Offshore 

Morocco HC 

Petronas Carigali Overseas SDN 

BHD 

Statoil Hydro Morocco AS, Dana 

Petroleum (E&P) Ltd 

Repsol Exploracion SA 

Dana Petroleum (E&P) Ltd 

Gas Natural Exploracion SL 

Boujdour Offshore 

Rabat Salé Haute Mer 

Safi Nord Ouest 

Tanger-Larache Offshore 

Amendment n° 1 to 

“Guercif” petroleum 

agreement 


“Asilah” petroleum 

agreement 


“Ouezzane-Tissa” 

petroleum agreement 

Amendment n° 1 to “Ras 

Juby Offshore” petroleum 

agreement 


“Boujdour Offshore” 


Amendment n° 2 to “Rabat 

Salé Haute Mer” petroleum 

agreement 

Amendment n° 1 to “Safi 

Nord Ouest” petroleum 

agreement 


“Tanger-Larache Offshore” 



Substitution of Sphere 

Petroleum QSC by 


Amendment following the 

transfer of 50 % of Direct 

and Anschutz parts of 

interest to TransAtlantic 

and Longe 

Amendment following the 

transfer of 50 % of Direct 

and Anschutz interest 

parts to TransAtlantic and 

Longe 

Extension of the initial 

validity period of the 

permit for 6 months. 



permits for 6 months 







Amendment following 

the transfer of 24 % of 

Repsol parts of interest 

to Gas Natural

Addenda to reconnaissance contracts 

ONHYM’s partners Zone Addenda Description 

Eni Morocco BV Doukkala-Abda 

MND Morocco Ltd Ouarzazate 

Maghreb Petroleum Exploration 

SA “MPE” 

Hunt Overseas Oil Company Tadla 

Longreach Oil and gas Ventures 

Ltd 

San Leon Morocco Ltd 

Island International Exploration 

Morocco 

Other agreements 

Circle Oil 

Signature of a deed of assignment between 

Circle Oil and ONHYM through which ONHYM 

transfers 60 % of the undivided interest of the 

Office in “Oulad N’Zala” concession to Circle 

Oil. 

RWE DEA AG 

Signature of an agreement for cooperation 

and data exchange for the study of Tarfaya 

– Laayoune basin. This agreement was 

concluded under a partnership between RWE 

and 4 German training Institutes. 

USTDA 

Missour Est 

Zag basin 

Signature of a Grant Agreement between 


Addendum n° 2 to 

“Doukkala-Abda” 

reconnaissance contract 

Addendum n° 1 

to “Ouarzazate” 


Addendum n° 1 

to “Missour Est” 


Addendum n° 1 to “Tadla” 


Addendum n° 1 to “Zag 

Basin” reconnaissance 

contract 

Extension of the initial validity 

period of the reconnaissance 

license for 10 months 













ONHYM and USTDA (US Trade and 

Development Agency). Under this agreement, 

USTDA grants ONHYM US$ 331 581 that will 

serve for a partial financing of a study project 

relating to data management and investment 

promotion in upstream petroleum and mineral 

development. 

23

PETROLEUM DRILLINGS & PRODUCTION 

24 

Petroleum drillings 

In 2008, drilling works concentrated on the 

preparation of H.1700 N°II rig at the base 

of El Hanchane, in expectation of the works 

scheduled for the year 2009, especially the 

implementation of MKL-102 workover, Boujdour 

stratigraphic well, and Meskala development 

well. 

On the other hand, ONHYM ensured several 

services related to equipment location and 

support for the partners operating in Morocco. 

Hydrocarbon production 

The national production of hydrocarbons 

reached 49.60 million standard cubic meters 

ONHYM’s production 

ONHYM / partners’ production 


for natural gas and 8 850 tons for condensate 

and crude oil, thereby recording a fall of 18 % 

for natural gas and 19 % for condensate and 

crude compared to the previous year. This fall is 

mainly due to the reduction of OCP withdrawals, 

especially during the last quarter of 2008 and 

the stop of production in OLB-1 well depleted 

during the year. 

Production / wells Condensate/Crude in tons Natural gas in standard cubic meters 

Total 7 323 33 755 810 

• AHF-1 / Cabre - 1 699 494 

• SAR-1 / Cabre - 4 275 370 

• OLB-1 / Samir - 8 077 175 

• ONZ-4 / Circle Oil - 1 790 248 

Total - 15 842 287 

Samir’s production 

Sidi Rhalam (RH-2) 1 527 - 

Total 1 527 - 

Grand total 8 850 49 598 097

Hydrocarbon marketing 

Despite the cuts recorded in the marketed 

volumes, the turnover knew only a slight fall of 

Fields / Deliveries 

Natural gas (Volumes in 

standard cubic meters) 

Volumes 


2 %, due to the increase in oil prices, especially 

during the first 9 months of 2008. 

The table below shows these changes : 

Years 

2008 2007 

Value 

DH pre-tax 

Volumes 

Value 

DH pre-tax 

38 340 765 70 249 706 46 603 876 78 842 300 

- Essaouira / OCP 31 849 295 56 788 458 38 430 597 64 226 100 

- Gharb / CMCP 6 491 470 13 461 248 8 173 279 14 616 200 

Variation in % 2008/2007 -17.73 -10.90 

Condensate / Samir 

(Volumes in tons) 

Variation in % 2008/2007 -19.66 20.21 

7 135 37 338 957 8 881 31 060 600 

Total pre-tax revenues (in DH) 107 588 663 109 902 900 

Variation in % 2008/2007 -2.11 

Exploitations 

ONHYM kept on providing exploitation services 

for its own account and for the account of its 

partners, especially Samir, Cabre and Circle 

Oil on the fields of OLB-1, SAR-1, AHF-1 and 

ONZ-4. 

Maghreb Europe Gas Pipeline 

(MEG) 

ONHYM has been designated as manager 

of the transit royalty of Algerian gas via the 

Moroccan territory (in replacement of SNPP). 

Representatives from ONHYM have taken part 

in the preparation of the following agreements : 

• State/ONE/ONHYM agreement for the use 

and exploitation of a gas pipeline passage 

connected to MEG with a view to supplying 

Renault project with natural gas ; 

• State/ONE agreement setting the terms and 

conditions for supplying Renault-Tanger plant 

with natural gas coming from the transit royalty 

and for taking in charge by the Moroccan 

State of upstream supply risks. 

ONHYM has, on the other hand, taken part 

in the Board of Directors works of Metragaz 

Company. 

25

OIL SHALE 

In accordance with ONHYM’s strategy for oil 

shale development, the activity in 2008 focused 

on the following : 

Study of a new legal and fiscal 

framework 

As part of its new strategy, ONHYM is working 

on the development of an appropriate legal 

framework for the development of oil shale. 

One (national office of electricity) 

project 

As part of ONHYM / ONE partnership, the latter 

has carried on its consultations with specialized 

companies for the construction of a pilot 

thermal plant using Tarfaya oil shale. Thus, for 

a best optimization of the project, the capacity 

of the plant will be 100 MW instead of 20 MW 

expected initially. 

26 

Petrobras/Total agreement 

The first phase of the estimated work program 

has been completed ; the ‘Petrosix’ process 

has been tested on fresh core samples from 

Timahdit. The second phase of the project 

has also started with the gathering of the data 

necessary to the environmental impact study. 

San leon 


San Leon Company has a keen interest in the 

deep strata of Tarfaya oil shale deposit and has 

concluded a confidentiality agreement for the 

testing of the data available in this zone. 

Xtract energy 

Signature of a MoU of two-year extensible 

validity, for the feasibility study and evaluation of 

oil shale in “Tarfaya 1” permit. 

Eesti energia 

Signature with the Estonian national company 

of a confidentiality agreement on oil shale in 

Tarfaya onshore zone.

MINING EXPLORATION 

The year 2008 was marked by the diversification 

of the research themes and the concentration 

of the works on the most promising areas,the 

strengthening of the conceptual targeting to 

help emerge new objectives, and the renewal 

of the ISO 9001-version 2000 certification of 

the mines laboratories. 

During FY 2008, the mining exploration works, 

carried out in a mining domain made up of 855 

permits, focused on 26 objectives distributed 

as follows : precious metals (16), base metals 

(8) and rocks and industrial minerals (2). 

As in the previous years, works were carried 

out on the most promising zones of the Anti- 

Atlas, Haut-Atlas and Jebilets-Guemassa with 

a sustained research effort in the southern 

provinces. Globally, the interest shown in the 

projects of Azouggar N’Tilili (polymetallic-gold), 

Glibat Lafhouda and Twihinate (Fe, Nb, Ta, U 

and light rare earth elements) and gold structures 

of Lafwila was confirmed. A new prospect was 

also identified at Lamlaga (Fe, Nb, Ta, U and 

light rare earth elements). 

Following the conclusive results of the 

orientation study carried out on Azouggar N’Tilili 

(polymetallic-gold) project, an open invitation to 

bid was issued for the project transfer. 

Concerning the Mine laboratory activity, in 

addition to the production front, the year 2008 

was marked by the renewal of certification 

through a follow-up auditing, in accordance with 

ISO 9001 version 2000. It should be recalled 

that the certification was obtained in 2007. 

The results obtained by subject and project are 

as follows : 


Precious metals 

Azouggar N’Tilili (Au, Pb, Zn, Ag) 

In Azouggar N’Tilili polymetallic-gold prospect, 

situated SW of Low Draa, at 50 km to the East 

of Tan Tan city, a synthesis of the results of all 

works carried out was prepared. The resources 

highlighted are estimated according to two 

variants : 452 500 t to 5.8 g/t Au ; 5.4 % Pb ; 

5.7 % Zn and 44.8 g/t Ag for an average 

thickness of 1.4 m or 1 105 600 t at 3.6 % Zn ; 

2.3 g/t Au ; 2.2 % Pb and 19 g/t Ag for an average 

thickness of 4 m. An international invitation 

to tender was issued for this project transfer. 

Glibat Lafhouda (Nb, Ta, Ree) 

In Glibat Lafhouda prospect, located at 75 km 

SW of Awserd, a geological survey over 10 

sq km at scale 1/1000 and a reconnaissance 

survey by gravimetry over 10.2 sq km were 

conducted with a view of achieving the deep 

rootedness of massive carbonatite zones and 

iron oxides. 

A second survey of 8 core drills totaling 

1 042 m was carried out in order to better 

delineate the geometry of mineralized bodies. 

The results obtained so far are as follows : 

27

Name of drilling Nature of the surrounding Grades and thickness 

GLS-7 Iron oxide 

GLS-8 Carbonatites 

GLS-9 Carbonatites 

GLS-10 Iron oxide 

Twihinate (Nb, Ta, U, Au, Fe) 

Twihinate prospect, located at about 250 km 

to the south of Dakhla, was discovered in 

2007. In this prospect, a geological survey 

at scale 1/1000 over an area of 6.25 sq km 

and a covering by gravimetry were conducted 

in order to control the deep rootedness of 

mineralization. The surface sampling yielded 

grades reaching 1.4 % Nb 2 O 5 and the sum of 

rare earth elements (La+Ce+Nd+Eu+Pr+Sm) 

generally ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 % with a 

maximum of 6 % REE. The grades of total iron 

are included between 50 and 60 % and those 

of gold are indices (300 ppb). 

28 


0.79 % Nb 2 O 5 , 846 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , 1261 ppm U 3 O 8 , 

4708 ppm REE and 43 % Fe 2 O 3 over 29 m. 

0.11 % Nb 2 O 5 , 44 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , 125 ppm U 3 O 8 , 1450 

ppm REE over 129 m. 

0.10 % Nb 2 O 5 , 46 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , 142 ppm U 3 O 8 over 

36.8 m. 

0.23 % Nb 2 O 5 , 182 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , 478 ppm U 3 O 8 , 2050 

ppm REE and 22,8 % Fe 2 O 3 over 52 m. 

Name of drilling Nature of the surrounding Grades and thickness 

TWS1 

TWS5 

Iron oxide 

A survey of 6 core drills totaling 836.80 m 

was carried on. The most encouraging results 

were obtained on TWS1 and TWS5 drillings as 

follows : 

0.36 % Nb 2 O 5 ; 185 ppm U 3 O 8 and 54.4 % Fe 2 O 3 

over 16 m 

Iron oxide breccia 0.25 % Nb 2 O 5 and 194 ppm U 3 O 8 over 55.9 m 

Carbonatites 0.35 % Nb 2 O 5 over 52.4m 

Iron oxide 0.186 % Nb 2 O 5 ; 345 ppm U 3 O 8 and 47.7 % Fe 2 O 3 

Iron oxide breccia 0.269 % Nb 2 O 5 , 500 ppm U 3 O 8 over 36.9 m 

Carbonatites 0.429 % Nb 2 O 5 , 650 ppm U 3 O 8 over 41.7 m

Lafwila (Au, Ag, Pb, Cu) 

On this project located at about 300 km to the 

South of Dakhla (Awserd province) and following 

the encouraging results obtained on the trenches 

carried out in 2007 (10.4 g/t Au over 4 m), a 

first survey of 4 core drills totaling 531.6 m was 

carried out in an effort to recognize the down 

dip of gold bearing structures. The targeted 

structures were intercepted with apparent 

grades of 6 m for the second drilling and 6 

m and 2.5 m for the fourth drilling. Chemical 

analyses are carried out on the samples taken. 

Madnat As Sadra (Au, Nb, Ta, U, Platinoïds,..) 

In Madna As Sadra prospect, located at 200 km 

SE of Dakhla (Awserd province), the geological 

control of aeromagnetic and spectroardimetric 

anomalies permitted to highlight, in El Ghassaliat 

sector, quartzose structures with index grades 

ranging between 0.2 and 0.8 g/t Au on metric 

thickness and iron ore carbonatites with grades 

reaching 0.5 % Nb 2 O 5 and 470 ppm Ta 2 O 5 , in 

Drag sector, and 0.4 % Nb 2 O 5 ; 520 ppm Ta 2 O 5 

and 350 ppm U 3 O 8 in Al Farnan sector. 


Tichka-Est (Au) 

The project of Tichka Est, situated at 140 km 

South of Marrakech, showed grades ranging 

between 1 and 14 g/t Au at the occurrence of 

the first sampling. Following these encouraging 

results, a detailed geological survey at 1/500, 

covering an area of 24 acres, and a lithogeochemical 

sampling with results ranging 

between 0.1 and 33 g/t Au were carried out. 

A geophysical study showed that the structure 

is deeply rooted. The alluvial prospecting 

conducted in this prospect yielded grades 

reaching 22 g/t Au. 

Bas Draa (Au) 

In the Bas Draa inlier (Guelmim, Tan Tan and 

Assa Zag provinces), prospecting continued in 

the Upper and Lower Proterozoic formations in 

Ayoun Lghoumane prospect. Samples taken 

in the iron ore quartzose structures encased in 

sandstones and Pl pelites or in copper indices 

borne by quartz veins encased in Infracambrian 

bed formations yielded indices in gold (

Ouday Çfa (Au, Pb and platinoïds) 

On Ouday Çfa prospect, located at 300 km 

to the North of Dakhla (Awserd province), 

the geological control of aeromagnetic and 

radiometric anomalies by mapping at scale 

1/25 000 over 22 sq km and sampling of pyrite 

quartz veins and iron oxides enabled to take 

406 samples that are undergoing chemical 

analyses. 

Kerdous (Au) 

In the prospect of Assif M’kkorn valley, located at 

120 km NE of Tiznit (Tiznit province), the control 

of goldbearing alluvional anomalies by mapping 

at scale 1/25 000 over 22 sq Km, by soil 

geochemistry and litho-geochemical sampling 

was carried on (885 rock and soil samples).The 

first profiles of soil geochemistry show anomal 

gold contents, with grades ranging between 10 

and 100 ppb and a maximal value of 942 ppb 

Au. 

A pilot study by conceptual targeting was carried 

out as part of an external expert valuation. 

The targets identified will undergo a detailed 

control. 

Khzama (Au, Ag, platinoïds) 

In Khzama project, located in Sirwa massive 

(Ouarzazate province), the control of alluvional 

geochemical anomalies helped to localize a 

fracturation zone with a general orientation of 

N-S to NW-SE, made up of ferruginous quartz, 

mylonites and gossans with an extension of 

several hundreds of meters. Most samples 

analyzed show gold grades ranging from 0.1 

to 12 g/t. 

30 

Tidili (Au) 


In Tidili prospect, located at 90 km to the West of 

Ouarzazate (Ouarzazate province), a geological 

reconnaissance by sampling and a geological 

mapping were conducted and yielded indexed 

results in gold (0.1 to 0.3 g/t), in Cu (1.2 %) and 

in Ag (24 g/t). 

Ain Chair (Au) 

In Aïn Chair prospect, located at 300 km to the 

South of Oujda (Figuig province), a geological 

control by mapping at 1/25 000 over 54 sq km 

and sampling have been carried out.The results 

obtained so far are weak and range between 

0.1 and 0.8 g/t for gold and do not exceed 

2 % for copper. 

General exploration (precious metals) 

RG-MP South zone (Au, platinoïds) 

The general exploration carried out in the central 

part of Adrar Soutouf (Awserd province), by soil 

geochemistry (960 sq km with ONHYM’s own 

means), geophysics, mapping and sampling 

has permitted to highlight Lamlaga structure 

which yielded grades reaching 0.6 % Ce ; 

0.5 % La ; 0.2 % Nd ; 0.17 % Nb ; 77 % Fe 2 O 3 

and 160 ppm U. 

On the other hand, the synthesis of data from 

the soil geochemistry survey carried out by 

subcontracting over an area of 5000 sq km in 

Awserd region helped to define new anomalies 

in U, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Au, Pd and Pt, in 

Glyeb Adrag, Gleybat al Hay Aç Çamet, Twirga 

and Lahwida prospects, in Nb-Ta in Tagnaddest 

zone, and Au in Imakrene Lakhdar.

Base metals 

Bled Jemaa (Pb, Au, Ag, Zn) 

In Bled Jemaa, located in central Morocco, at 

1,5 km SW of Moulay Bou Azza, the core drilling 

works that started at the end of 2007 were 

completed by the spudding of the 6 th drilling. 

The main zone bearing mineralization, composed 

of microdiorite dykes, crushed schists and 

quartz lens with sulfides, has been cross cut 

by all the drillings. The most promising results 

are those of drilling N°1 and N°2 where grades 

reach 19 g/t Au ; 3.24 % Pb ; 2.2 % Zn and 

52 g/t Ag over thicknesses less than 1 m. 

Concerning the 4 th and 5 th drilling, the results 

reach 2.33 g/t Au over 0,85 m and 4 g/t Au 

over 0.35 m, respectively. Towards NE and SW 

ends of the index, the impacts of drilling N°3 

and N°6 are indexed. 

A preliminary assessment of the resources gave 

339 423 t to 3 g/t Au, 0.85 % Pb, 0.50 % Zn 

and 21.3 g/t Ag (variant 1) or 495 003 t to 2.20 

g/t Au, 0.60 % Pb, 0.36 % Zn and 15.7 g/t Ag 

(variant 2), or the equivalent of 1.02 t or 1.09 t 

in metal gold. 


Ighir ou Roumi (Pb, Zn, Ag) 

At Ighir ou Roumi, located in central Morocco, at 

5 km NE of Moulay Bou Azza, a zone mineralized 

with Pb-Ag was followed in surface over 200 m. 

Four drillings, totalling 448.60 m, were executed 

and intersected the targeted structures. The 

latter are constituted of microdioritic dykes with 

crushing zones and quartz veins with sulfides 

(pyrite, galene, sphalerite and mispickel). 

The results of analyses show grades reaching 

6.54 % Pb and 4.78 % Zn over inframetric 

thicknesses. Grades in Ag may reach 238 g/t 

and those of Au 1.04 g/t. 

A preliminary evaluation of the resources yielded 

212 205 t to 3.70 % Pb, 2.71 % Zn and 94 g/t 

Ag. 

Sud Bani (Fe) 

In Sud Bani prospect (Tan Tan province), located 

at 70 km SE of Tan Tan, where surface grades 

range from 32 to 57 % in total ore, a survey 

of 13 core drillings totalling 510 m is under 

way on the Zini West prospect with ferriferous 

mineralization. 

The first drilling, stopped at 22 m, has cross 

cut a mineralized level of iron oxide over a reel 

thickness of 2.6 m, whereas the 2 nd drilling, 

stopped at 29 m, has cross cut two subhorizontal 

ferriferous levels with grades of 1 m 

and 3 m, respectively. 

Achemmach «ONHYM – Kasbah Resources 

Ltd agreement» (Sn) 

In the tin-bearing deposit of Achmmach, located 

at 50 km NE of central hercynian massive to the 

31

South of Meknès (El Hajeb province), a feasibility 

study has been carried out by the Australian 

company Kasbah Resources. Since the start of 

drilling works on November 2007, 25 drillings 

totalling 7997 m divided into 3 phases were 

carried out until the end of September 2008. 

The results obtained are encouraging and 

show several mineralized intersections : 13.6 

m with 0.5 % Sn (AD18), 12 m with 1.2 % Sn 

(AD19), 46.3 m with 0.8 % Sn (AD20), 36.5 m 

with 0.8 % Sn (AD21), 36.5 m with 0.8 % Sn, 

6.9 m with 1.85 % Sn (AD21), 25.0 m with 

1.29 % Sn (AD25). 

An updating of the resources model of the 

deposit according to Jorc Australian norm has 

been recently completed and has permitted to 

define inferred resources of 6MT with 0.9 % Sn 

for cut grade of 0.6 % Sn. Mineralurgical tests 

are being carried out by SGS cabinet. 

Jebilet «ONHYM – CMG Agreement» 

(Polymetallic) 

In Jebilet prospect, located NW of Marrakech 

(Sidi Youssef Ben Ali province), works 

concentrated on mineralization prospecting of 

polymetallic sulfurous mass type at El Mna and 

32 


vein type at Bougader (Pb-Zn). These works 

include geological surveys, rock sampling and 

core drillings. 

At El Mna, the drilling that began in 2007 was 

carried on and reached interval 470.15 m. 

It first intersected felsic volcanic facies, then 

clay sediments. The units met do not permit 

to explain the magnetic anomaly observed in 

surface. A pulse – EM survey was carried out 

and did not detect any anomaly. The source of 

anomalies remains unexplained. 

At Bou Gader, the core drilling survey that began 

in 2007 in this prospect was followed by the 

execution of the 5 th core drilling (BGS5) that was 

stopped at interval 261 m after crossing a series 

of black pelites with pyrite and/or pyrrhotine 

dissemination. The project was stopped due to 

non encouraging results. 

Tekna «ONHYM – CMG Agreement» 

(Polymetallic) 

In Tekna district, located West and South West 

of Marrakech (Al Haouz province), the synthesis 

of former works permitted to select 3 magnetic 

anomalies (Moulay Al Amine, Lamrah and 

Imarirne) on which an electric prospecting using 

MPP method was carried out in partnership 

with Russian experts. The interpretation of 

anomalies obtained permitted to recommend 3 

reconnaissance core drillings totalling 1 800 m. 

Alous District «ONHYM - Odyssey Resources 

Ltd Agreement» (Cu, Ag) 

In Alous district, located in the Anti-Atlas, 

at about 120 km SE of Agadir (Taroudant 

province), the works focused on finalization 

of an orientation study that recommended an

additional exploration program to demonstrate 

the economic viability of the project. 

Kalaat Sraghna – Mkhalif (Cu, Pb, Zn) 

In Kalaat Sraghna – Mkhalif district, located in 

the eastern Jebilets, NE of Marrakech, the works 

first focused on Ouled Chorfa copper bearing 

index where rock sampling showed copper 

grades exceeding 6 % Cu in some samples. 

In order to recognize the bottom of these 

structures, two core drillings totalling 210.65 

m were carried out and intersected zones with 

quartz veinlets more and less mineralized with 

chalcopyrite traces and malachite coatings over 

a dozen of meters. Copper grades are weak 

and do not exceed 0.25 m over 1 m. 

At the same time, detailed geological surveys of 

copper veins of Kharouba and Snoussine old 

mines were carried out. The results at the level 

of Kharouba structures show grades that reach 

6 % Cu and 400 ppm Co. 

Toundout (Cu, Au, Ag) 

In Toundout sector, located on the southern side 

of central Haut Atlas, a geological, geophysical 

and structural reconnaissance survey was 

conducted. In the veins of Abidli district, where 

copper grades are relatively high and reach 

5 %, geophysical surveys were conducted and 

showed the limited deep-seatedness of these 

structures. 

«ONHYM –Areva Draft Agreement» on the 

Anti-Atlas (Uranium) 

The draft agreement between ONHYM and 

Areva NC concerns the implementation of a 


Geographic Information System (GIS) on the 

Anti-Atlas, dedicated to uranium exploration. 

In addition to the exchange of geological, 

geochemical and geophysical data, the works 

pertaining to the interpretation of airborne 

geophysical data were carried out and 

concentrated on the achievement of geophysical 

grids, the crossing of geological, geochemical, 

geophysical data and remote sensing under 

ArcView and non supervised classification of 

radiometric data. 

Finally, a compilation of thematic data and their 

crossing were carried out. 

General exploration (base metals) 

In North Ment sector, located in central Morocco, 

a geochemical survey was conducted with the 

taking of 700 alluvional samples, 803 stream 

samples and 14 rock samples. Several multielementary 

anomalies in Pb and Zn as well as 

anomalies in Cu and Au were highlighted. 

The control of these anomalies undertaken 

revealed, in a quartz vein encased in granite, 

grades of 4.8 g/t Au, 0.45 % Pb, 10 g/t Ag and 

10.4 % As over a thickness on the range of 1 

meter. 

Research for uranium in the Southern provinces 

started East of Dakhla, around the Cretaceous- 

Proterozoïc contact for the achievement of 13 

radiometric profiles. Petrographic studies show 

that this concerns stripped carbonatites that 

extend to 900 m with metric thicknesses and 

that show a mineral association with monazite. 

Cerium grades may reach 1 187 ppm and 

lanthanum grades 762 ppm. 

33

Finally, a geological survey at scale 1/1000 

was conducted in the district with systematic 

radiometric measurements. 102 samples were 

taken along the profiles for chemical analysis 

(multi element : U, Th and TR) and 13 samples 

for the petrographic and mineral study. 

34 

Rocks and industrial minerals 

General exploration for rocks and industrial 

minerals has focused on the following : 

• The Tertiary basin of Guercif and Taourirt- 

Oujda corridor where core drillings were 

conducted on Aït Ali target, located at 20 km 

NW of Taourirt, in view of delimiting fibrous 

clays levels in depth ; 

• Ouarzazate Tertiary basin, extending from 

Telouet to the West until Tinrhir to the East, 

where 316 samples have been taken. The 


results led to the selection of Telouet fibrous 

clays indexes for development by core 

drillings ; 

• The Gharb Tertiary basin between Arbaoua and 

Ouazzane where 339 samples were taken in 

view of conducting chemical analyses and 

identifications by X ray diffraction. The latter 

helped to highlight two sectors containing 

sepiolite clays (South of Arbaoua and SE of 

Tnine Serafah) ; 

• Feldspaths and kaolin of Jbel Zerhoun (near 

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun) where 6 samples were 

collected to undertake microscopic studies 

and technological tests ; 

• Dolomies in central Morocco (Oued Beht 

and Sefrou province) and in calcareous ridge 

(between Chefchaoun and Fnideq) where 43 

samples have been taken for analysis.

Objectives achieved in 2008 

Objectives Commodity Provinces Works implemented 

Precious metals 

Azouggar N’tilili Au, Zn, Pb, Ag Tan Tan international invitation tender 

Glibat Lafhouda Nb, Ta, REE Awserd 

Geology, geophyics, topography, drillings : 

1042 m 

Twihinate Nb, Ta, REE, U, Au Awserd Geology, geochemistry, drillings : 836.80 m 

Lafwila Au, Ag, Cu, Zn Awserd 

Geology, sampling, trenches : 24 m3 , 

drillings : 531.60 m 

Madnat As Sadra Au, Ag, Cu, Zn Awserd Geology, lithogeochemistry, soil sampling 

Tichka-Est Au Al Haouz Geology, sampling, geochemistry, alluvionary 

Bas Draa Au, Ag, Cu 

Guelmim, Tan Tan, 

Assa Zag 

Geology, sampling, alluvionnary 

Ain Karma Au, Ag, Cu, Pb Guelmim Geology, sampling 

Ouday Çfa Au, Ag, Cu, Zn Awserd Geology, lithogeochemistry, sampling 

Kerdous Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn Tiznit Geology, soil sampling 

Khzama Au, platinoïdes Ouarzazate Geology, sampling 

Tidili Au, Ag, Cu Ouarzazate Geology, sampling 

Ain Chair Au Figuig Geology, sampling 

Rg- Mp- South Zone Au, Pt, REE Awserd 

Base metals 

Geochemistry, geology, sampling 

Bled Jemaa Pb, Zn, Ag, Au Khénifra drillings : 93.10 m 

Ighir Ou Roumi Pb, Ag, Zn, Au Khénifra Geology, sampling, drillings : 448.60 m 

Sud Bani Fe Tan Tan geology, lithogeochemistry, drillings : 51 m 

Achmmach «Kasbah 

Resources» 

Sn El Hajeb Geology, sampling, drillings : 7997 m 

Jebilet (CMG-ONHYM) Polymetallic Sidi Youssef Ben Ali 

Geology, sampling, drillings : 568.80 m 

(ONHYM : 227.52 m) 

Tekna (CMG-ONHYM) Polymetallic Marrakech Menara geophysics 

Alous District «Odyssey» Cu, Ag Taroudant Feasibility study 

Kalaat Sraghna-Mkhalif Cu, Pb, Zn Kalaat Sraghna 

Geology, geophysics, sampling 

drillings : 210.65 m 

Toundout Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag Ouarzazate Geology, geophysics, sampling 

Anti-Atlas (ONHYM- 

Areva Nc) 

Uranium 

Ouarzazate, Zagora, 

Tata, Taroudant, Tiznit, 

Guelmim… 

Rg.Mb Cu, Pb, Zn, Sn, W, U Khénifra, Awserd 


Preparation of GIS, geophysical 

interpretation, geochemistry, structural study 

of satellite images 

Geology, geochemistry, scintillometry, 

sampling 

Rocks and industrial minerals 

Aït Ali Fibrous clays Taourirt Geology, sampling, drillings planting 

Rg. Rmi 

Fibrous clays, 

dolomies, quartz 

Taza, Khémissat, 

Ouazzane, Tetouan 

Geology, sampling, chemical and 

mineralogical analyses 

35

34° 

32° 

30° 

28° 

26° 

24° 

36 

!( 

-16° -14° -12° -10° -8° -6° -4° -2° 

Ad-Dakhla 

Lagwira 

MINING EXPLORATION LOCATION MAP FOR OBJECTIVES ACHIEVED IN 2008 

!( 

3 

0 

Quaternary 

Mesozoic 

Cenozoic 

Paleozoic 

Proterozoic 

Boujdour 

5 

!( 

9 

2 

4 

!( 

Awserd 

200 Km 


La'Youne 

!( 

Tarfaya 

!( 

!( 

Bou Kra 

Tan-Tan 

Essaouira 


!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

19 ! 

22 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 

!( 


Agadir !( 

!( Zagora 

Ifni Akka 

!( 

Safi 

El Jadida 

Casablanca 

!( 

!( 

Tata 

Rabat 

Marrakech 

Tanger 

Larache 

Ouarzazate 

Meknès 

!( 

!( 

Khénifra 

!( 

Sebta 

R i f 

!( 

Fes 

!( 

Al Hoceima 

Midelt 

!( 

!( 

Taza 

Er-Rachidia 

!( 

Erfoud 

!( 

! 

! 

Melilla 

Nador 

Bou Arfa 

!( 

8 7 

1 

16 

!( Assa 

Zag !( 

PRECIOUS METALS 

1. Azouggar n Tilili ’ (Au, Zn, Pb) 

2. Glibat lafhouda (Nb,Ta, U, Fe ) 

3. Twihinate (Nb,Ta, U, Fe, REE, Au ) 

4. Lafwila (Au) 

!( Smara 

5. Madnat As Sadra (Au,Pt) 

6. Tichka-Est (Au) 

7. Bas Draa (Au, Ag, Zn) 

8. Ain Karma (Au, Ag, Zn) 

BASE METALS 

9. Ouday Çfa (Au) 

14. Bled Jemâa (Pb, Zn, Ag, Au) 10. Kerdous (Au) 

15. Ighir Ou Roumi (Pb, Zn, Ag,) 11. Khzama (Au, Ag, Pt 

16. Sud Bani (Fe) 

12. Tidili (Au, Cu, Ag) 

17. Achmmach (Sn) 

18. Jebilet (Polym) 

19. Tekna (Polym) 

20. Secteur d’Alous (Cu, Ag) 

21. Kalaat Sraghna-Mkhalif (Cu,Pb,Zn) 

22. Toundout (Cu, Au, Ag) 

13. Ain Chair (Au) 

ROCKS AND INDUSTRIAL MINERALS 

23. Ait Ali (Clays) 

10 

20 

18 

6 

21 

12 

11 

14 

ANTI ATLAS 

15 

17 

Ht. ATLAS 

M. ATLAS 


23 

13 

!( 

Oujda 

!( 

Figuig 

!( 

34° 

32° 

30°

Laboratories’ activity 

The laboratories’ activity in 2008 was especially 

marked by the renewal of ISO 9001 version 

2000 certification as a result of the first follow 

up and monitoring auditing. The provisions of 

services related to mineralogical, chemical and 

mineralurgical studies concerned samples from 

ONHYM worksites and third parties. 

Certification maintained 

As part of the preparation of the follow up 

and monitoring auditing for ISO 9001 version 

2000 certification, obtained in March 2007, the 

following actions were undertaken : 

• Updating of documentation related to quality 

system management ; 

• Implementation of in-house audits ; 

• Assessment of 2007 objectives and of 

process performance indicators ; 

• Conduct of a customer satisfaction survey 

and interviews with clients on the site ; 

• Preparation of the clients’ claims report and 

corrective and preventive actions ; 

• Preparation of the objectives planning and the 

training plan for the year. 

Mineralogy 

Sample preparation 

In the course of this year, a total of 518 samples 

divided into 213 of thin plates, polished plates, 

101 polished sections, 124 alluvional and 

artificial concentrates were prepared. 


Petrographical and mineralogical analyses 

Petrographical and mineralogical studies 

involved 269 samples broken down into 

144 petrographical studies, 125 studies of 

alluvional and artificial concentrates. The 

studies concentrated on samples from ONHYM 

prospects and more specifically those of rare 

earth projects. 

Mineral processing 

In 2008, the number of samples prepared for 

chemical analysis reached 14 796 and were 

distributed as follows : 

Worksite Number of samples 

ONHYM projects 12.356 

Subsidiaries and third parties 2.104 

Tests 336 

Total 14.796 

Concentration tests by gravity and magnetic 

separation were carried out on the ore Ta, Nb, 

U and rare earth of Glibat Lafhouda. 

Flotation tests were carried out, in pilot plants, 

on behalf of CMG, SMI and AGM.These tests 

involved 50 days of pilot plant in operation. 

Mineralogical chemistry 

The number of ore grade assays conducted 

by the Mineral Chemistry Department in 2008 

reached 199 780. 

37

These assays correspond to 11 934 samples 

and concentrated on the following : 

• Gold analysis by humid and dry method ; 

• Multi-elementary analysis : Ag, As, Ba, Be, 

Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, 

Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V, Y, Zn ; 

• Analysis of rare earth elements : La, Ce, Sm, 

Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Tm ; 

• Precious metals analysis : Pt, Pd, Ir ; 

38 

DISTRIBUTION OF ACHIEVEMENTS 


• Major elements analysis : SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , CaO, 

MgO, Na 2 O, K 2 O, Fe 2 O 3 , FeO, MnO, TiO 2 , 

P 2 O 5 and fire loss ; 

• Analysis by conventional methods of high 

grades in Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, CaCO 3 , BaSO 4 , 

SrSO 4 , CaF 2 , MnO 2 , MnO, total Mn, ferric 

iron, carbonates, sulfur, sulfates, Chlorides, 

wetness and salt insolubles, real density of 

powder samples ; 

• Other analyses : Th, U, La, Ta, Sn, W. 

Worksite Number of samples Number of ore grade assays 

ONHYM worksite 10 701 194 528 

Subsidiaries and third parties 1 233 5 252 

Total 11 934 199 780

MINING PARTICIPATIONS & COOPERATION 

Partnership for mining exploration and 

development witnessed a new dynamics in 

2008. As a matter of fact, the efforts made for 

promoting mining deposits led to the conclusion 

Draft agreements and MoU 


of two new draft agreements, a Memorandum 

of Understanding, (MoU), and two transfer 

agreements.Three amendments were also 

concluded. 

ONHYM’s partners Country Description Date of signature 

AREVA NC France 

Xtract Energy PLC Great Britain 

National Mineral 

Development Corp. Ltd. 

(NMDC) 

Mining prospect transfers 

India 

Other transfers relating to Oumjérane, 

Zgounder, Sidi Bou Othmane, Bouissafene 

and Boudkek deposits, are under negotiation 

with private companies. 

Draft agreement for the 

implementation of a digital 

GIS on the Anti Atlas 

dedicated to uranium 

exploration 

Draft agreement for the 

evaluation of the uranium 

potential of Argana corridor. 

MoU establishing a 

cooperation framework 

between ONHYM and 

NMDC in the field of 

mining exploration and 

development 

19 February 2008 

12 March 2008 

22 May 2008 

ONHYM’s partners Country Objective Date of signature 

Compagnie Minière des 

Guemassa (CMG) 

Kasbah Gold 

Morocco 

Morocco 

(subsidiary of the 

Australian company 

Kasbah Resources) 

Koudiat Aïcha mining 

domain (polymetallic) 

Jbel Malek mining domain 

(gold) 


5 June 2008 

On the other hand, ONHYM proceeded in 

early 2008 to the launching of an international 

invitation to bid with a view to a partial or total 

transfer of Azouggar N’tilili polymetallic gold 

deposit in Tan Tan region to the South of Agadir. 

39

40 

Amendments 

ONHYM’s partners Country Description Date of signature 

Shaanxi Fuyuan INT’L INC. China 

Kasbah Resources Ltd Australia 

Mauritanian Office for 

Geological Research 

(OMRG) 

Security and environment 

Mauritania 

• Aid and support of ONHYM’s partners in 

preparing environmental impact studies with 

regard to seismic acquisition, petroleum 

drillings, and oil shale development (Eni, 

Repsol, Hunt Oil, Transatlantic, Anschutz, 

PetroCanada, Circle Oil, and Pel) ; 

Amendment to MoU 

related to the evaluation of 

the zinc potential in High 

and Middle Atlas and the 

Rif extending the duration 

for 24 months 

Amendment to draft 

agreement on Achmmach 

tin deposit extending its 

duration for 12 months 

Amendment to draft 

agreement covering 

cooperation actions 

scheduled for 2009 



30 January 2008 

21 January 2008 

• Active participation in the meetings held by 

the National Committee of Environmental 

Impact Studies within the Environment and 

Water Department ; 

• Preparation of sanitary and security reports 

of the 1 st and 2 nd half of 2007 and 1 st half of 

2008.

MINING DRILLING : A SIGNIFICANT REVIVAL OF THE ACTIVITY 

The year 2008 was marked by the notable 

revival of the drilling activity which recorded a 

significant increase of 52 % in volume compared 

with 2007. 

The number of meters drilled reached 

12 582.15 m against 8 277.40 m in the 

previous year. 

Realizations 

This increase in volume is accounted for by a 

marked revival of work on behalf of third parties. 

Thus, a work program was implemented for the 

benefit of CMG at Koudiat Aïcha and Hajar with 

a total of 5 884.15 m of drillings and another 

work program for the benefit of SMI with a total 

of 2.208.35 m at Imiter. 

Worksite 

Work by ONHYM 

Glibat Lahfouda 

Twihinate 

Kalaat Sraghna 

Lafwila 

Blad Jemaa 

Ighir Ou Roumi 

Sud Bani 

Jebilet ONHYM-CMG 

Total work by 

ONHYM 

Work under 

agreement 

(partners’share) 

Main 

operator 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

Partners 

Province 

Awserd 

Awserd 

Kalaat Sraghna 

Awserd 

Khénifra 

Khénifra 

Tan Tan 

Marrakech 


This year was also marked by the implementation 

of three drilling campaigns in the southern 

provinces, namely at Glibat lafhouda, Twihinate 

and Lafwila. 

The volume of drilling works is shown in the 

following table : 

Number of 

drillings 

8 

6 

2 

4 

1 

5 

2 

0.8 

core drills 

(ml) 

1 042.30 

836.80 

210.65 

531.60 

93.10 

487.30 

51.00 

227.52 

Rotary (ml) Total (ml) 

1 042.30 

836.80 

210.65 

531.60 

93.10 

487.30 

51.00 

227.52 

28.8 3 480.27 0.00 3 480.27 

Jebilet CMG Marrakech 1.2 341.28 341.28 

Total work under 

agreement 

1.2 341.28 0.00 341.28 

41

Third party work 

Koudiat Aïcha 

Timahdit 

Aïn Tekki 

Hajar 

Imiter 

Total third party 

work 

Realizations achieved in 2008 compared to annual budgetary estimates are given in the following 

table : 

Nature of works 

ONHYM’s own means 

Under agreement 

Third party 

42 

Main 

operator 

CMG 

Petrobras 

SSM 

CMG 

SMI 

Marrakech 

Khénifra 

Mohammedia 

Marrakech 

Ouarzazate 

22 

1 

1 

3 

10 


4 788.60 

125.00 

339.20 

766.55 

2 181.35 

62.00 

203.90 

267.00 

27.00 

4 850.60 

125.00 

543.10 

1 033.55 

2 808.35 

37 8 200.70 559.90 8 760.60 

Grand total as of December 31, 2008 67 12 022.25 559.90 12 582.15 

Mining drillings 

Estimates Realizations Rate of realization 

7 520.00 

2 085.00 

3 000.00 

3 480.27 

341.28 

8 760.60 

46.28 % 

16.37 % 

292.02 % 

Total 12 605.00 12 582.15 99.82 % 

On the managerial front, service contracts governing ONHYM drilling programs came into force this 

year in accordance with the new managerial methods adopted by the office since 2007.

HUMAN RESOURCES 

Staff 

As of December 31 st , 2008, ONHYM staff 

was 942 agents of whom 192 engineers and 

managers, 388 supervisors, 25 employees and 

337 workers. 

3% 

The rate of supervision, set at 20 41% %, remains 

below Engineers the & executives standards of bodies Supervisors dedicated 

to Employees research. The objective is to reach, Workers in the 

medium term, a rate of 30 % of the staff. 

2000 

1500 

1000 

2000 

500 

1500 

0 

1000 

500 

36% 

3% 

Staff evolution 

41% 

20% 

Engineers & executives Supervisors 

Employees Workers 

0 

36% 

1641 1571 1538 1499 1477 1434 1359 

1641 1571 1538 1499 1477 1434 1359 

20% 

947 942 

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

947 942 

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 

The Office staff has recorded a regular decrease 

for the last decade as a result of the combined 

effect of departures for retirement, interruption 

of recruitments and voluntary departure 

operation. 

Nonetheless, the recruitment operations are 

undertaken taking into account the positions 

provided by the outline law (34 in 2008). 


The number of departures recorded at the end 

of December 2008 reached 16. 

Harmonization of personnel 

management rules 

The harmonization works undertaken during 

2008 helped to close this file. The results are 

summed up in the following : 

• Preparation of 104 harmonized decisions and 

memoranda ; 

• Preparation of 64 ONHYM harmonized 

management rules, resulting from the newly 

set up decisions and procedures ; 

• Identification of 17 performance indicators ; 

• Examination of 13 management acts by an 

ad hoc committee ; the results of the latter’s 

works will be submitted to Human Resources 

committee‘s approval. 

Attendance time management 

The clocking in/clocking out system is 

operational since May 2, 2008 and concerns 

the whole staff working in Rabat (headquarters 

and Base). 

43

44 

Social activities 

Housing loans 

• The loan commission approved the granting 

of 28 loans for housing and equipping for the 

total amount of 3.269.400 DH. 

Cultural activities 

• 112 children belonging to ONHYM personnel 

registered for the year 2008-2009 and 

benefited from multiple activities : language 

courses, data processing, civil education, 

chess, sewing and manual work, music, 

educational outings and associative actions. 

Pilgrimage 

• 15 employees were taken in charge by the 

Office and sent to make pilgrimage to the 

Holy place of Islam. 

Medical assistance 

• 158 medical examinations were provided 

and 3 300 benefited from coverage for 

hospitalization, biological checks and X-rays ; 

• 484 employees received flu vaccines ; 

• 42 visits were systematically organized in the 

work sites ; 

• 91 ophthalmology medical examinations ; 

• 2 263 employees benefited from collective 

health care ; 

• 87 employees donated blood. 

Summertime centers 

• 260 employees benefited from stays in 

summertime centers of Cabo-Negro, Ifrane 

and Kettara ; 


• 369 children attended summer camps in Ben 

Smim and Agadir. 

Loans for car purchase 

• 2 employees were granted a loan representing 

the amount of 132.000 DH to buy a car. 

Training 

Key indicators 

In 2008, the activity pertaining to training focused 

on the following : 

• The number of actions devoted to training 

reached 160 totalling 1 890 hours man/day 

training representing a total cost of 6 164 KDH ; 

• The enrollment of 34 employees in English 

courses as part of ONHYM-Amideast 

agreement for the implementation of 2008 

program. These courses totalled about 336 

MDT split into 12 sessions for a cost of 126 

KDH ; 

• The total cost of these actions amounts to 

6290 KDH including training provided from 

budget partners. 

The following table shows the physical and 

budgetary indicators pertaining to the training 

activity in 2008 : 

Indicators Number 

Number of training actions 

Number of participations 

Number of man-day-training 

Number of beneficiaries 

172 

459 

2 226 

265 

Cost in 1000 DH 6 290

Areas of training Number of actions Number of participants 

Congress, forum, colloquiums 

and seminars 

Exploration, exploitation 

processing and technical 

subjects 

Data processing - Office 

automation and IS 

Personnel management and 

human resources 

Quality, security and 

environment 

Management techniques and 

other subjects 

Training related actions 

• Organization and supervision of 250 students 

from various institutions of higher education 

(Schools, Faculties and Institutes) ; 

DISTRIBUTION OF TRAINING DATA/DOMAIN 


Number of man/days of 

training 

20 34 140 

39 92 434 

15 23 85 

42 152 284 

10 19 61 

31 51 133 

Long- term training 3 4 753 

English classes 12 84 336 

Total 172 459 2 226 

• The granting of 890 scholarships for the 

benefit of 430 ONHYM staff children for a 

total cost of 132 KDH. 

45

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION SYSTEM 

The Information System Master Plan (ISMP) 

worked out in collaboration with an international 

consultant over a five-year period was finalized 

in 2007. 

Computer projects are grouped into a folio 

of thematic programs and are conducted 

according to an IS governance mode, and in 

accordance with the provisions of the operation 

charter governing the relations between the 

implied parties. 

46 

Mines and Oil 

After a detailed survey of petroleum exploration 

needs in information system, the GIS project 

development was launched. The other projects 

of the core business launched as part of the 

Information System Master Plan aim at securing 

and organizing the heritage of data generated 

by mining and petroleum works and following 

the life cycle of various data and documents. 

The challenge behind these projects is to master 

the heritage of data and documents by using 

the latest information technology by optimizing 

costs and guaranteeing the security, viability 

and availability of the documentary resources. 

Finance logistics 

In this field, structuring projects of ISMP such 

as the restructuring and analytical accountancy, 

the implementation of integrated management 

software and the project management mode 

have been launched. The main objectives set 

by the three projects are the following : 

• Support the evolution of the organization ; 


• Encourage the setting up and development 

of project management concept, set up as 

a new operation mode for the conduct of 

mining and petroleum projects 

• Encourage the eligibility of the Office to the 

State control. 

Human resources 

As far as human resources are concerned, two 

main IS projects have been conducted : 

• Consolidation of the human resources 

information system ; 

• Implementation of attendance time 

management system. The system is 

operational and the associated project is in 

the conclusion stage. 

Common means 

As for management of the documentary 

heritage, the service offer has been modernized 

with the use of the intranet for the publication of 

several documentary products. 

Infrastructure 

Infrastructure projects are conducted to 

accompany the needs of IS projects with 

regard to equipment, network infrastructure 

and storage, to ensure the security of data by 

putting the latest information technology means 

at the service of oil and mining exploration. 

Thus, the needs of web site projects, integrated 

management software, the intranet, GIS Oil and 

GIS Mine have been integrated and launched.

Petroleum exploration permits 

and reconnaissance licenses map

KINGDOM OF MOROCCO 

98 

95 

96 

92 


84 

88 89 

91 

93 94 

97 

104 

Tarfaya 

153 

154 

152 

El Aioun 155 

156 

79 

78 

157 

82 

85 

83 

81 80 

117 

118 

Boujdour 119 

86 87 

120 

121 

122 

90 

123 

124 

125 

126 

127 

128 

129 

151 

99I 100 

161 162 

15 

10 

Safi 107 

171 

172 17 16 

173 170 132 

174 

133 

134 

163 

108 

116 

114 Agadir 

adir 

115 

164 

Ifni 

165 

166 

167 

168 

MAURITANIA 

52 

53 

54 

13 14 

56 

55 

58 57 

59 

169 

160 

Marrakech 

RABAT 

Casablanca 

135 

135 

Ouarzazate 

Tanger 



48 

130 

131 

47 49 

60 109 

Al Hoceima 

12 101 110 111 

106 

103105 112 113 

102 

148 

159 

ALGERIA 

158 

6 

Nador 

Melilla 

140 141 142 

138 1 137 

139 

143 

144 

145 

146 

147 

149 

150 

Nador 

Oujda 

136 

11 

51 

50 

8 

9 

7 

137 

138 

Bouanane I 

Bouanane2 

ONHYM - DANA-TETHYS- 

EASTERN 

1 066,00 

1 049,00 

105 Fès ONHYM - CABRE 

1 998,70 

139 Boudnib I 

1 983,40 

140 Boudnib II 

1 998,10 

141 Boudnib III 

1 998,10 

142 

143 

Boudnib IV 

Boudnib V 

ONHYM - MND 

1 850,70 

1 989,70 

144 Boudnib VI 

1 891,20 

145 Boudnib VII 

1 841,40 

146 Boudnib VIII 

1 696,00 

147 Boudnib IX 

1 575,00 

149 

150 

Guercif Est 

Guercif Ouest 

ONHYM - TRANSATLANTIC 

STRATIC - LONGE 

1 894,50 

1 998,90 

151 Tarfaya Onshore 1 

2 000,00 


1 966,00 


ONHYM - 

1 989,00 


ISLAND - SAN LEON - 

1 994,00 


LONGREACH 

2 000,00 


1 995,00 


1 490,00 

160 Bas Daraa 1 

2 000,00 


1 994,90 


1 994,70 

163 

164 

Bas Daraa 4 

Bas Daraa 5 

ONHYM - PETRO CANADA 

- RWE 

1 999,90 

1 997,70 


1 994,50 


1 995,80 


1 993,10 


1 980,60 


2 000,00 

171 Essaouira Deep Offshore 1 

1 752,20 

172 

173 

Essaouira Deep Offshore 2 

Essaouira Deep Offshore 3 

ONHYM - CANA MENS 1 736,70 

1 677,80 

174 Essaouira Deep Offshore 4 

1 641,80 

EXPLORATION PERMITS 

Petroleum Agreements 

Reconnaissance Contracts 

RECONNAISSANCE 

CONTRACTS 

Petroleum exploration permits and 

reconnaissance licenses map 

10 Ait Riouch ONHYM - MPE 

224,00 

107 Doukkala - Abda 

ONHYM - ENI 9 813,00 

ONHYM - SAN LEON 

108 Bassin de Zag 

ISLAND - OIL & GAS - LONGREACH 21 807,00 

116 Ouest Souss Onshore ONHYM - GBP 

__ 

135 Tadla ONHYM - HUNT 

28 117,50 

136 Missour Est ONHYM - MPE 

7 937,80 

148 

158 

Ouarzazate 

Missour Ouest 

ONHYM - MND 

24 545,60 

13 086,90 

159 Haut Atlas 

ONHYM - HUNT 

22 875,00 

170 Esssaouira Shallow Offshore ONHYM - CANA MENS 

4 921,50 

EXPLORATION ZONES 

COMPANY 

Km 

12 Loukos Offshore 

ONHYM - MPE 

__ 

13 Casablanca Offshore I 

__ 

14 Casablanca Offshore II 

ONHYM - MPE 

__ 

15 

16 

17 

Safi Offshore 

Ounara Est 

Ounara ouest 

ONHYM - MPE 

__ 

__ 

__ 

47 

48 

49 

Tanger-Larache 1 



ONHYM - REPSOL YPF - DANA 

GAS NATURAL 

1 300,00 

1 287,00 

981,00 

6 

7 

8 

9 

11 

50 

Tendrara "A" 

Tendrara "B" 

Tendrara "C" 

Tendrara "D" 

Tendrara "E" 

Tendrara "F" 

ONHYM - MPE 

1 594,70 

1 598,30 

1 595,60 

1 046,50 

970,10 

1 348,90 

51 Tendrara "G" 

1 510,00 

52 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer I 

1 428,00 

53 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer II 

1 440,00 

54 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer III 

1 999,00 

55 

56 

Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer IV 

Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer V 

ONHYM - PETRONAS 

1 279,00 

1 968,00 

57 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer VI 

1 792,00 

58 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer VII 

1 637,00 

59 Rabat-SalÙ Haute mer VIII 

1 998,00 

60 

78 

Moulay Bousselham 

Boujdour Offshore I 

ONHYM - HEYCO - STRATIC 

ENERGYCORP. 

__ 

1 615,00 

79 Boujdour Offshore II 

1 869,00 

80 Boujdour Offshore III 

1 758,00 

81 Boujdour Offshore IV 

1 875,00 

82 Boujdour Offshore V 

1926,00 

83 

84 

85 

86 

87 

88 

89 

Boujdour Offshore VI 

Boujdour Offshore VII 

Boujdour Offshore VIII 

Boujdour Offshore IX 

Boujdour Offshore X 

Boujdour Offshore XI 

Boujdour Offshore XII ONHYM - KOSMOS 

1 925,00 

1 934,00 

1 924,00 

1 929,00 

1 952,00 

1 936,00 

1 933,00 

90 Boujdour Offshore XIII 

1 946,00 

91 Boujdour Offshore XIV 

1 937,00 

92 Boujdour Offshore XV 

1 939,00 

93 Boujdour Offshore XVI 

1 944,00 

94 Boujdour Offshore XVII 

1 937,00 

95 Boujdour Offshore XVIII 

1 950,00 

96 Boujdour Offshore XIX 

1 947,00 

97 Boujdour Offshore XX 

1 957,00 

98 Boujdour Offshore XXI 

1 948,00 

99 Boujdour Offshore XXII 

1 954,00 

100 Boujdour Offshore XXIII 

1 953,00 

101 

102 

Rharb Centre 

Rharb Sud 

ONHYM - CABRE 

1 941,70 

1 939,70 

103 Tselfat 

ONHYM - TRANSATLANTIC 

899,80 

104 Ras Juby 

ONHYM - GENTING OIL 2 000,00 

106 Sebou 

ONHYM - CIRCLE OIL Plc. 269,29 

109 Ouezzane -Tissa 1 1 998,40 

110 

111 

112 

Ouezzane -Tissa 2 



ONHYM - DIRECT - ANSHUTZ - 

TRANSATLANTIC - LONGE 

1999,10 

1 624,30 

1 912,30 

113 

114 

115 

117 

118 

119 

120 

121 

122 

123 

124 

125 

126 

127 

128 

129 

130 

131 

132 

133 

134 


Agadir Maritime I 

Agadir Maritime II 

Boujdour Onshore I 

Boujdour Onshore II 

Boujdour Onshore III 

Boujdour Onshore IV 

Boujdour Onshore V 

Boujdour Onshore VI 

Boujdour Onshore VII 

Boujdour Onshore VIII 

Boujdour Onshore IX 

Boujdour Onshore X 

Boujdour Onshore XI 

Boujdour Onshore XII 

Boujdour Onshore XIII 

Asilah 1 

Asilah 2 

Haha 1 

Haha 2 

Haha 3 

ONHYM - GBP 

ONHYM 

ONHYM 

ONHYM - DIRECT - ANSHUTZ - 

TRANSATLANTIC - LONGE 

ONHYM - PEL 

1 998,70 

1 605,14 

1 654,13 

1 759,80 

1 921,00 

1 947,30 

1 911,10 

1 967,20 

1 962,90 

1 907,40 

1 999,50 

1 988,30 

1 938,90 

1 965,30 

1 918,30 

1 997,90 

1 372,20 

1 382,00 

1 608,00 

1 760,00 

1 551,00 

2 

Acreage 

EXPLORATION PERMITS 

Petroleum Agreements 

Updated : 31 - 12 - 08

Annual Report 2008 - Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines

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