Algeria and Indonesia Sign MoU to Strengthen Cooperation in Phosphate Sector

Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, presided on Tuesday over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding between the Algerian Phosphate Mines Company “SOMIPHOS,” a subsidiary of the Sonarem Group, and “Pupuk Indonesia.”

This memorandum aims to establish a framework for cooperation and partnership between the two parties in order to study and develop opportunities for collaboration in the field of phosphate, particularly by assessing the possibility of supplying Pupuk Indonesia with Algerian phosphate, as well as exploring opportunities for joint investment in phosphate mining and processing activities in Algeria, and developing projects related to phosphate-derived products, the Algerian Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines said in a statement.

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, as well as exploring prospects for cooperation in the early stages of phosphate processing industries, with the aim of creating added value and strengthening industrial integration, the statement said.

The memorandum is valid for a period of eighteen months, renewable by agreement of both parties, during which regular meetings will be organized to monitor the progress of discussions and studies, with the possibility of concluding subsequent implementation agreements that precisely define the rights and obligations of each party, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in both countries.

On this occasion, Arkab emphasized that the signing of this memorandum falls within the directives of the President of the Republic aimed at strengthening economic partnerships with friendly countries, particularly in strategic mining sectors, foremost among them the phosphate sector, which is considered a key pillar in the process of diversifying the national economy, developing processing industries, and creating added value.

He also highlighted the importance of this partnership in supporting Algerian–Indonesian cooperation, promoting productive investments, and transferring expertise and technologies, in a way that serves the shared interests of both countries and contributes to strengthening food and industrial security in the medium and long term, the source added.

For their part, officials from Pupuk Indonesia expressed their strong interest in Algeria’s mining potential and in the opportunities offered by cooperation with SOMIPHOS and the Sonaram Group, affirming their readiness to move forward in studying practical and sustainable partnership projects in the field of phosphate and fertilizer production, the statement concluded.