Algeria has entered a decisive phase in the development of its mining sector, officially setting April 2026 as the start date for its first iron ore processing plant at the Gara Djebilet mine in Tindouf, according to local media reports.
Strategic step towards economic diversification
Plant under run by Sonarem, Algeria's national mining research and development company, will process up to 4 million tons per year using advanced crushing, screening and dry separation technologies with recovery rates exceeding 85 percent.
The project is part of Algeria's broader plan to exploit its huge mineral resources and building a diversified, sustainable economy. By 2032, the capacity of the Gara Jebilet field, one of the largest in the world with reserves of 3.5 billion tons, will be increased to 10 million tons per year.
Growing international cooperation
Soltani confirmed that companies from the US, India and China are showing growing interest in partnering on the project and that joint working groups to develop phosphorus recovery technology. technologies and accelerate local technical testing.
Strengthening geological infrastructure
Nadjiba Burenan, Director General of the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energy, stressed the importance of modernizing Algeria's geological infrastructure and expanding the national database about minerals. Speaking at a national seminar on natural resources in Algeria, she highlighted the use of modern exploration technologies to identify strategic minerals such as lithium, iron and phosphates, which are key to achieving future industrial and energy transition goals.
