Algeria plans 16 mineral exploration projects to 2028, minister says

Mourad Hanifi, minister of mines and mining industry, said in Algiers on Saturday that the government will run 16 mineral exploration projects from 2026 to 2028.

Algérie Presse Service (APS) reported that the projects form part of the public research programme for the period 2026 to 2028. Their aim is to improve knowledge of the country's mineral resources and to attract investment.

The Energy platform, which is based in Washington, reported that 2.5bn dinars (DZD) is planned for the research programme. Of this sum, 1.1bn dinars (DZD) is planned for 2027.

Research programme

The minister said exploration and research will be the main priority from next year. The work will also improve access to geological data and develop investment and technical partnerships.

The results will help prepare files on known deposits and on areas that have not been studied enough. Investors, both Algerian and foreign, will find it easier to get the data they need to assess deposits.

The National Geological Data Bank will improve the quality of the information it provides. Cooperation with African countries on geology and mapping is also planned, to share knowledge and build technical skills.

Major projects already under way

The plan also covers large projects that are already in progress. The first is the Gara Djebilet iron project, which is central to developing the iron and steel industry.

Authorities aim to match industrial capacity with the needs of the local market. They also want to reduce impurities in iron ore and improve the efficiency of the project's processing and transport.

In phosphates, work continues to coordinate extraction, enrichment and chemical conversion. This runs alongside railway and port works, with the aim of adding value and supplying fertiliser for farming. Exports are also expected to grow.

For zinc and lead at Tala Hamza and Oued Amizour, priorities include preparing the mine and the plants that produce concentrates. The plan also covers a study of mining conversion and an assessment of the needs of the company Alzinc.

The Sonarem group and its 13 subsidiaries will prepare investments, control costs and help companies lead projects. The National Agency for Mining Activities will support investors and monitor their work and investment commitments.

Priority will go to hiring and training Algerian workers. Local firms, especially small and medium-sized companies, may also gain new work by supplying goods and services to mining projects.

2027 budget

Hanifi presented the sector's 2027 budget priorities to the finance and budget committee of the People's National Assembly (APN). The proposed payment credits for mining and the mining industry in 2027 total about 20.48bn dinars (DZD), or about 155.15m dollars.

Commitment balances are close to 4bn dinars (DZD), about 30.30m dollars. The budget also includes transfers to support the specialised agencies and to follow up on programmes and projects.