Algerian Radio
Minister of State and Minister of Energy, Mines, and Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, presided this Tuesday at the ministry headquarters over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Algerian Phosphate Mines Company (Somiphos), a subsidiary of the Sonarem Group, and the company Pupuk Indonesia.
The ceremony took place in the presence of the Vice Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Sudaryono; the Secretary of State to the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Hydrocarbons in charge of Mines, Ms. Karima Bakir Tafer; and His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Algeria, alongside several executives and officials from both parties.
According to the press release, this memorandum aims to establish a framework for cooperation and partnership between the two parties to study and develop collaborative opportunities in the phosphate sector. This includes evaluating the feasibility of supplying Pupuk Indonesia with Algerian phosphate, exploring joint investment opportunities in phosphate mining and processing activities in Algeria, and developing projects related to phosphate derivatives.
The memorandum of understanding also provides for conducting joint preliminary studies to assess the technical and economic feasibility of potential projects, exchanging relevant data and information, and examining prospects for cooperation in the initial phases of phosphate processing industries. According to the same source, this will contribute to creating added value and strengthening industrial integration.
On this occasion, the Minister of State highlighted that the signing of this memorandum aligns with the directives of the President of the Republic aimed at strengthening economic partnerships with friendly nations, particularly in strategic mining sectors. Foremost among these is the phosphate industry, considered an essential pillar for diversifying the national economy, developing processing industries, and creating added value.
The Minister of State also emphasized the importance of this partnership in supporting Algerian-Indonesian cooperation, encouraging productive investments, and facilitating the transfer of expertise and technology. This serves the mutual interests of both countries and strengthens food and industrial security in the medium and long term.
For their part, officials from Pupuk Indonesia expressed great interest in Algeria’s mining potential and the opportunities offered by cooperation with Somiphos and the Sonarem Group. They affirmed their willingness to continue studying concrete and sustainable partnership projects in the phosphate and fertilizer industries.
