Emmerson pencils in hearing date for Morocco arbitration

Emmerson PLC (AIM:EML) has been given a July 2028 hearing date for its US$1.215bn treaty arbitration against Morocco, setting out the timetable for a case centred on the loss of its Khemisset potash project.

The tribunal confirmed the procedural calendar after rejecting Morocco’s application to bifurcate the proceedings in July. Morocco must submit its Counter-Memorial, including its full defence and jurisdictional objections, by January 2027.

Emmerson’s subsidiaries Khemisset UK Ltd and Potasse de Khemisset SA will file their reply in October 2027, with Morocco’s Rejoinder due in January 2028. The hearing will then run from 17 to 26 July 2028, including submissions and the cross-examination of witnesses and experts.

The claim, filed with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in April 2025, seeks US$1.215bn net of local taxes and including interest. It alleges breaches of the UK-Morocco investment treaty, including expropriation and failures to provide fair and equitable treatment. Emmerson said there can be no certainty over the outcome of the claims.