Algeria is accelerating its ambitions in the global mining sector with plans to launch a large-scale mining and processing plant dedicated to iron ore from the expansive Gara Djebilet deposit in the Tindouf region. According to sector sources, the facility will mark a key milestone in the country’s strategy to unlock its mineral wealth and strengthen its industrial base.
Managed by Sonarem, Algeria’s national mining group, the upcoming plant is designed to process up to 4 million tons of iron ore annually, supported by advanced crushing technologies that are expected to deliver a recovery rate exceeding 85%. The investment underscores Algeria’s effort to modernize its raw materials sector and attract stronger international participation.
Sonarem’s CEO noted that several major mining and technology companies from the United States, India, and China have already expressed strong interest in collaborating on the project. Joint working groups are now in place to develop improved methods for lowering phosphorus levels in the ore and advancing new technical processing trials on Algerian soil.
This initiative is part of a broader national plan to leverage strategic mineral assets and drive long-term economic diversification. In parallel, progress is being reported on another major industrial complex tied to Gara Djebilet. Developed through a partnership between FERAAL, a Sonarem subsidiary, and Tosyali Algeria, the project aims to produce 4 million tons of iron ore concentrate and pellets each year, with production projected to rise to 10 million tons in the coming phases.
Gara Djebilet is considered one of the world’s largest iron ore deposits, with reserves estimated between 1 and 3 billion tons, making it a strategic cornerstone for Algeria’s mining future.
Complementing these developments, Algeria and Italy are also exploring the joint construction of a direct reduced iron (DRI) production facility, backed by a major bilateral industrial agreement. The project reflects growing European interest in securing stable, long-term resources amid shifting global supply chains.
Together, these initiatives signal Algeria’s rising profile in the world’s iron and raw materials markets, supported by increased international partnerships, expanding production capacity, and new technology-driven mining strategies.
