Currently known reserves cover SNIM's sales forecast for the next hundred years, at a yearly yield rate of 12 million tonnes of both naturally high grade ore as well as low grade ore to be beneficiated.

Such reserves are estimated at over 5.700 million tonnes, geographically distributed between 4 different sites around the mining city of Zouerate.

Water exploration

In the heart of the Sahara desert, hydro-geological exploration is as crucial as iron ore exploration.
Two major types of aquifers are currently being worked and developed :

• the first type holds fresh water used for human needs,



• the second type, such as the Tarf Srey Aquifer near Zouerate, holds a slightly brackish water used for industrial needs. Part of it is softened in an inverted osmosis purication plant located in the Rhein.