Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called for the fast-tracking of three major mining projects to diversify the country’s economy beyond oil and gas. During a Cabinet meeting, Tebboune emphasized the urgent completion of the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine, the zinc and lead mine in Valley Amizour, and the phosphate mine in Bilad El Hadba.
The Gara Djebilet iron ore mine, located in Tindouf province, began operations in mid-2022, targeting an initial output of 2-3 mln tons annually. With an estimated 3.5 bln tons of reserves, production is expected to reach 40-50 mln tons by 2026, supported by a 950 km railway under construction by China Railway Construction Corporation.
In Tebessa, the Bilad El Hadba phosphate project is projected to produce over 6 mln tons of phosphate annually, generating USD 2 bln in revenues. A new railway will link the mine to the broader network, transporting over 10 mln tons each year. The Valley Amizour zinc and lead mine in Bejaia, with 34 mln tons of estimated reserves, is expected to produce 170,000 tons of zinc concentrate annually, generating USD 215 mln in revenue. This project, launched in November 2023, spans 23.4 hectares.
