Algerian Radio
The mining, energy, and renewable energy sectors witnessed an acceleration in the implementation of major infrastructure projects with a high impact on the national economy during 2025. This progress has paved the way for the launch of operations for a significant portion of these projects, including the Gara Djebilet iron mine (Tindouf), scheduled for early 2026.
This momentum will culminate in the commissioning of several strategic infrastructures designed to promote non-hydrocarbon exports, pending the completion of other projects. Notably, the Gara Djebilet project is set to enter operation in the first quarter of 2026, as announced by the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during the Council of Ministers meeting on November 16.
The launch of operations at this mine, one of the largest in the world with reserves of 3.5 billion tons, will constitute an unprecedented event in the history of independent Algeria. The President affirmed it is "a strong signal testifying to a new orientation for the country, enshrining the principle of economic sovereignty and the diversification of its resources outside of hydrocarbons."
This mining project was completed in record time: works began in July 2022, followed by the launch of the primary iron ore processing plant project in December 2023, leading up to the upcoming production phase.
To ensure the transport of ore to the Tosyali steel complex in Bethioua (Oran), the new Tindouf-Béchar railway line (950 km) will be fully completed by early 2026.
regarding the Bled El Hedba integrated phosphate project (Tébessa), which will be operational next year, it will allow Algeria to rise among the world's leading hubs for fertilizer export, with an annual production capacity of 6 million tons.
The project includes a railway line that has seen significant progress. It will link the phosphate mine to the Eastern Mining Railway project, which connects several mines to processing and transformation plants. All civil engineering structures, particularly the planned bridges and tunnels, have been completed.
The project will ensure the transport of over 10 million tons of phosphate per year extracted from the Bled El Hedba mine. These volumes will be destined for processing, transformation, and export, generating estimated annual revenues of $2 billion.
The year 2025 was also marked by the completion of right-of-way preparations for the project to double the mining railway track between the municipalities of Driaa and Oued El Kebrit (Souk Ahras, 17 km). This is part of the modernization and doubling of the Eastern Mining Railway line (Annaba-Bled El Hedba-Tébessa).
Furthermore, the Oued-Amizour zinc and lead mine (Béjaïa) also constitutes a major project, with exploitable reserves estimated at 34 million tons and a projected annual production of 170,000 tons of zinc concentrate.
This site is expected to revitalize the mining sector, creating 786 direct jobs and over 4,000 indirect jobs, while generating an annual turnover of $215 million.
The sector was strengthened this year by the promulgation of the new Mining Law, which is part of reforms aimed at consolidating economic sovereignty and diversifying national revenue sources beyond hydrocarbons.
The new law includes a set of incentive measures designed to attract investors, create jobs, and encourage SMEs to invest in the sector, all while respecting environmental standards and preserving resources.
Hydrocarbons: Keen Interest from International Companies
This law aims to attract investment and generate additional revenue through equitable partnerships, ensuring continuous control over resources.
Another significant event of 2025 was the conclusion by Sonatrach of numerous hydrocarbon exploration agreements with major international companies, particularly within the framework of the "Algeria Bid Round 2024" international tender, which attracted keen international interest.
This success confirms the attractiveness of the business climate in the sector, thanks to the reforms implemented and international confidence in the Algerian legal framework.
The ALNAFT Agency plans to launch a new tender in early 2026 to strengthen partnerships in the exploration and development of national hydrocarbon resources, consolidating Algeria's position as a key international player and a reliable energy supplier.
Regarding renewable energies, Algeria has launched several projects, notably the program to install a capacity of 15,000 MW by 2035. The stations under the first phase, estimated at 3,200 MW in photovoltaics, are progressing well and are expected to be operational next year.
In this wake, significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the national hydrogen development strategy, launched in 2023. Hydrogen is considered a key element of the energy transition, as highlighted by the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, during a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) last November.
With the aim of promoting sustainable, diversified, and low-emission industrial growth, Algeria has launched several initiatives designed to develop green hydrogen. These include the "SoutH2" southern hydrogen corridor, designed to transport green hydrogen to Europe, as well as the "Medlink" electrical connection project linking Algeria to Italy.
