Algeria is moving forward with ambitious plans to launch a large-scale mining and processing plant for iron ore from the Gara Djebilet deposit in Tindouf Province by April 2026, according to SteelOrbis.
The project, overseen by Sonarem, Algeria’s national mining and industrial group, will have a production capacity of 4 million tons of ore per year. Using advanced ore-crushing and processing technologies, the plant is expected to achieve a recovery rate exceeding 85%, positioning Algeria as a key player in the regional iron and raw materials market.
Global Interest in Algeria’s Mining Potential
Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani revealed that major international companies from the United States, India, and China have expressed strong interest in investing in Algeria’s mining industry—particularly in the Gara Djebilet project. To drive innovation, Sonarem has established joint working groups with several of these firms to develop modern techniques for phosphorus reduction and conduct localized technical trials aimed at improving ore quality and processing efficiency.
Expanding Industrial Capacity
The initiative is a cornerstone of Algeria’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and harness its vast mineral wealth in a sustainable, technology-driven way. Parallel efforts are also underway on the construction of the first unit of an industrial complex for processing Gara Djebilet ore. This project, developed through a partnership between FERAAL (a Sonarem subsidiary) and Tosyali Algeria, will produce 4 million tons of iron ore concentrate and pellets annually.
By 2032, Algeria plans to boost production to 10 million tons per year, significantly strengthening its domestic steel and raw materials supply chain while enhancing export capacity to Europe and beyond.
A Strategic Resource for the Future
The Gara Djebilet deposit ranks among the largest iron ore reserves in the world, with estimated resources between 1 and 3 billion tons. Its development marks a turning point for Algeria’s mining sector and its integration into global supply networks.
In addition, Algeria and Italy are exploring the joint construction of a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production plant, backed by an estimated €1 billion agreement between Italy’s CEIP Scarl and Algeria’s Copresud. This move highlights growing European interest in securing sustainable and diversified sources of iron and steel raw materials.
