Algerian Radio
Preparatory works for the development of access to the zinc and lead mine, located in the communes of Amizour and Tala Hamza (Wilaya of Bejaïa), were launched yesterday, Tuesday, in preparation for the commissioning of this large-scale project.
The kick-off for these works was given by the Wali of Bejaïa, Kamel Eddine Kerbouche, in the presence of the Director General of the Sonarem Group, Reda Belhadj, and the Director General of the National Enterprise of Non-Ferrous Mining Products and Useful Substances (ENOF), Fateh Dhrifi.
The launch of these works comes in implementation of instructions from the country's higher authorities, following the completion of administrative procedures, the removal of noted constraints, and the establishment of the necessary arrangements for the mine's operation.
In this regard, the Wali highlighted the continuation of the compensation process for landowners affected by this "important and strategic" project, which is set to contribute to the valorization of national mining resources, open promising prospects for economic development, and create jobs for the youth of the Wilaya.
He also affirmed the commitment of the Wilaya's services to ensure permanent monitoring of the project's various implementation phases, in order to guarantee the progress of works within the allotted deadlines and in compliance with the required technical standards.
For his part, the Director General of the Sonarem Group, Reda Belhadj, indicated that the Amizour and Tala Hamza zinc and lead mine project, which aims to extract at least 170,000 tons of zinc per year and 30,000 tons of lead per year, constitutes "one of the major strategic projects of the mining sector in Algeria," given its economic and developmental dimensions.
It will contribute to the valorization of national mining resources and the strengthening of economic sovereignty, he added, noting that this project will also enable the creation of a significant number of jobs for the region's youth and support local economic momentum.
He also insisted on rigorous monitoring of the various stages of its implementation to ensure work progresses within the allotted deadlines and in accordance with the technical standards in force for major mining projects.
Furthermore, the Director General of the National Enterprise of Non-Ferrous Mining Products and Useful Substances, Fateh Dhrifi, affirmed that this mine is among the most important globally, given the scale of its reserves and its economic significance, stressing that this project "is of major importance for the country."
As a reminder, the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, had insisted during the Council of Ministers last January on "the imperative to launch this promising economic project by March 2026, given the job opportunities and expected economic benefits for the region, in particular, and for Algeria in general."
It should be noted that the Wali of Bejaïa presided over a coordination meeting last week devoted to finalizing the last arrangements before the effective launch of operations at the zinc and lead mine located between the communes of Tala Hamza and Oued Amizour.
