New Annular Carbonatite-Derived Fe-REE-Nb Ore Structure in Southern Morocco: Unveiling a Large Alkaline Province in NW Africa

A previously undescribed annular carbonatite body in southern Morocco is revealed to host significant Iron, Rare Earth Elements (REE), and Niobium (Nb) mineralisation. Integrating geochemical mapping, isotopic analysis, and structural geology, the study identifies this complex as part of a large, hitherto unrecognised alkaline province in NW Africa — with direct implications for Morocco’s strategic mineral wealth and the global REE supply chain critical to the green energy transition.