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Barite, Manganese, Phosphate: Algeria Diversifies Its Mining Portfolio

Algeria is embarking on an ambitious strategy to diversify its mining sector, focusing on three key resources: barite, manganese, and phosphate. This initiative, unveiled by Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy and Mines, at the ordinary general assembly of Sonarem, aims to propel the mining industry to the rank of national economic pillar.

Particular attention is being paid to increasing the production capacity of barite, a crucial mineral for the hydrocarbon industry. The Minister urged Sonarem to step up its investments in this area. A new barite mine project in Beni Abbรจs is under development, illustrating the strategic importance of this mineral to meet growing national demand and consolidate the sector’s autonomy.

Manganese: A New Exploitation Front

Manganese is emerging as a promising new development axis. Mining projects are planned in Bรฉchar, marking Algeria’s entry into this market. This initiative perfectly aligns with the government’s desire to diversify its mining resources and create new economic opportunities.

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Phosphate: a major project in Bled El-Hadba

Phosphate is a major pillar of this diversification strategy. The integrated phosphate complex in Bled El-Hadba (Tรฉbessa) promises to transform 10 million tons of phosphate annually. This structuring project positions Algeria as a potentially major player in the global fertilizer market.

Beyond these three flagship minerals, Algeria is expanding its portfolio with other major projects. The country is banking on the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine in Tindouf and the exploitation of zinc and lead in Tala Hamza-Oued Amizour in the wilaya of Bรฉjaรฏa. At the same time, the government is encouraging the development of calcium carbonate, dolomite, bentonite, and feldspar production units in several wilayas.

Performance and outlook

The year 2024 promises to be a decisive turning point, with the effective launch of these major structuring projects. Recent performances in the sector are encouraging, with notable increases in production for iron (+5.6%), phosphate (+3%), salt (+21%), marble (+23%) and gold (+6.3%).

The signing of several agreements and contracts last May, notably with Chinese and Turkish partners, demonstrates the growing attractiveness of the Algerian mining sector for foreign investors.

Mohamed Harami, CEO of Sonarem, is optimistic about the future of the sector. He predicts that these diversification initiatives will enable the mining complex to reach a turnover of $5 billion by 2030.

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