M’fis Mine and Village

Hidden in the pre-Saharan landscape near Merzouga, M’fis Mine and Ghost Village reveals a captivating chapter of Morocco’s mining heritage. Often referred to as the “Ghost Village of the Sahara,” this historic site, with its abandoned mine shafts and hauntingly beautiful deserted streets, transports visitors back to the region’s industrial heyday when lead and zinc extraction drove the local economy in the mid-20th century.

The ghost village, with its partially abandoned structures, creates an ethereal atmosphere that draws photographers and adventure seekers from around the world. Its distinctive architecture includes empty worker housing, weathered administrative buildings, and silent industrial structures that have endured decades of desert winds. The haunting beauty of this ghost village against the desert backdrop offers visitors a unique glimpse into a forgotten era.

M’fis’s mining operations, which thrived between the 1940s and 1970s, have left behind an intricate network of tunnels and industrial artifacts. While the mines themselves are no longer accessible for safety reasons, the surface structures of this ghost village provide remarkable insights into historical mining practices and the lives of the workers who once animated these now-quiet streets.

Today, the ghost village and mine site serve as both a historical monument and a reminder of the region’s industrial past. A small community still inhabits a section of the village, adding an intriguing contrast between abandonment and continuity. Their presence brings a unique dimension to this historical site, where visitors can experience both the eerie quiet of the ghost village and the resilient spirit of desert life.

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