Plizio Visual Lab
OCP Benguerir Mine
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The OCP mine in Benguerir is a prominent example of technological progress and Morocco's industrial expansion in the interior of the country. Located in the Gantour basin, commercial phosphate mining began here in the late 1970s to meet the increasing global demand for fertilizers. Benguerir stands out for its use of state-of-the-art digital mining technologies and autonomous fleets, making it one of the OCP Group's most efficient facilities. Closely linked to the mine is the 'Green City Mohammed VI' project, an education and research hub that hosts the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Here, innovations in sustainable agriculture and solar energy are developed and directly integrated into the mining process. The mine thus functions not only as a source of raw materials but also as a living laboratory for the ecological transformation of Moroccan industry.
- Location: Morocco
- Nearby: El Kelaa des Sraghna (55 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 12 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 25 | 22 | 16 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 34 | 39 | 28 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 14 | 28 | 66 | 39 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The OCP Benguerir Mine is a significant phosphate mine with direct connection to processing facilities. It plays a central role in Morocco's phosphate industry, which controls about 70% of global reserves.
Visiting
The mine is an active industrial area and is normally not open to the public. From the surrounding hills and the road to Benguerir, the open-pit operations and conveyor belts can be seen.
Where to view it
A good viewpoint is the height east of Benguerir city, offering a wide view of the entire open-pit mining area. The road leading to the OCP processing complex also provides insights into the extraction activity.
Local products
In the Benguerir region, mainly raw phosphate rock is mined, which is later converted into fertilizers. Occasional handicraft products from the region can be found at local markets, but phosphate is not sold directly.
Active season
Mining is carried out year-round, with production independent of weather. The highest activity typically occurs during periods of high agricultural demand, especially in spring and autumn.
Nearby
A visit to the Benguerir Mine can be combined with a stop in the nearby city of Khouribga and its Phosphate Museum. The Benguerir oasis and surrounding mountains also lend themselves to an exploration tour.
Geography
Facts
- Commercial mining at the Benguerir mine officially started in 1980.
- The mine utilizes a state-of-the-art desliming plant for phosphate processing.
- Benguerir serves as a pilot site for the deployment of autonomous mining vehicles.
- The mine is part of the Gantour basin, Morocco's second-largest phosphate deposit.
- A large solar park supplies parts of the mining logistics with renewable electricity.
- Approximately 40% of the phosphate mined in Benguerir is destined for export.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town OCP Benguerir Mine (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the OCP Benguerir mine?
A modern site of the OCP Group for phosphate mining.
Is the facility developed for tourism?
No, it is a purely industrial site.
Why does this place play a role?
It contributes significantly to the national economy and production.
When is it useful to visit the region?
The region around Benguerir is for travelers interested in Moroccan industry.
What is nearby?
Benguerir is a city near Marrakech.
OCP Benguerir Mine: where is it located?
OCP Benguerir Mine is located in Morocco.
OCP Benguerir Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
OCP Benguerir Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The OCP mine in Benguerir is a prominent example of technological progress and Morocco's industrial expansion in the interior of the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Morocco →
Nearby cities
Marrakech
A vibrant imperial city known as the 'Red City'.
Safi
A major port city and the center of Moroccan pottery.
El Kelaa des Sraghna
A major agricultural center known especially for its olive cultivation.
Essaouira
A charming coastal city, formerly known as Mogador.
Youssoufia
An industrial city built after phosphate mining.
Skhirat
Skhirat is a prestigious coastal town in Morocco, known for its pristine Atlantic beaches and high-end resorts.
Sidi Bouknadel
Sidi Bouknadel is an up-and-coming coastal town north of Rabat, known for its stunning beaches and exotic gardens.
Harhoura
A chic seaside resort south of Rabat, known for its beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and pine forests.
Setti Fatma
A picturesque village at the end of the Ourika Valley, famous for its seven waterfalls.
Asni
A picturesque village at the foot of Mount Toubkal, famous for its vibrant Saturday Berber market.
Oualidia
A serene coastal town situated along a beautiful lagoon, world-famous for its oyster farming.
Oukaimeden
Africa's highest ski resort in the Atlas Mountains, offering snow adventures in winter and cool hiking trails in summer.
Ouirgane
A peaceful mountain village in the High Atlas, known for its red soil and excellent hiking trails.
Imlil
An idyllic mountain village in the High Atlas and the main gateway to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
History & landmarks
More places
Ben Youssef Madrasa
An Islamic college in Marrakech that was once the largest in North Africa.
Koutoubia Mosque
The largest mosque in Marrakech, featuring a nearly 70-meter-high minaret that inspired the Giralda in Seville.
Bahia Palace
A late 19th-century palace in Marrakech whose name means 'Brilliance'.
El Badi Palace
Once a magnificent palace built at the end of the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur.
Saadian Tombs
A historic cemetery in Marrakech housing the tombs of the Saadian sultans from the late 16th century.
Safi Power Plant
A modern, ultra-efficient thermal power plant covering a significant portion of Morocco's electricity needs.
OCP Safi Industrial Complex
A massive chemical complex for processing phosphate into acids and fertilizers.
Port of Safi
An important port for fishing and the export of minerals and chemical products.