A major Chinese company based in the United States, Austroid Corporation, has expressed interest in investing in Algeria’s lithium sector, a strategic mineral vital for the global energy transition. Lithium is widely used in manufacturing batteries, among other applications.
On Sunday, March 23, 2025, the Director General of the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency (AAPI) met with a delegation from the Chinese company. According to an AAPI statement, the delegation outlined the company’s intent to develop a large-scale integrated industrial project in Algeria focused on lithium processing.
Austroid Corporation specializes in lithium processing and aims to expand its industrial operations by leveraging investment opportunities in Algeria’s strategic lithium sector, the AAPI (formerly ANDI) communiqué noted.
Why Lithium Matters
Lithium is a highly valuable mineral for global industries and the energy transition. It is primarily used in producing electric batteries and rechargeable accumulators, as well as in the glass and ceramics industries, specialized lubricants, metallurgy, and rubber manufacturing.
Lithium Reserves Confirmed in Southern Algeria
The world’s largest lithium reserves are in Chile (9.3 million tons), followed by Australia (7 million tons), Argentina (4 million tons), China (3 million tons), and the United States (1.8 million tons).
In Algeria, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, announced in December 2024 that lithium deposits have been confirmed in the Hoggar region, located in the country’s far south. The minister emphasized that exploiting this mineral could position Algeria as a key player in green technologies and strengthen its role in the global energy value chain. This statement came during a workshop on developing the lithium sector.
“It’s time to focus on high-value strategic minerals like lithium, which has become one of the most critical materials for positioning Algeria as a leader in green technology,” Arkab said.
Lithium’s Role in the Energy Transition
Lithium is essential for the global push toward sustainable energy. As a critical mineral, it plays a central role in the energy transition, particularly in battery production for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems.
