The Algerian Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, said Sunday in Algiers that his sector is expanding projects to turn solid mineral waste into valuable resources by putting the “urban mining” concept into practice.
The statement came during a speech at the National Meeting on Quality of Life, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Quality of Life under the high patronage of Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, with the theme “National Achievements, Development Challenges,” and attended by government members.
Arkab said that the hydrocarbons and mining sector is working to establish a circular economy model through the valorization of solid waste, implementing the concept of “urban mining” to recover and recycle used metals like iron scrap.
Concerning organic material valorization, the Minister of State said that the sector will step up efforts to expand projects for recycling used oils and producing biofuels, thereby “turning environmental challenges into development opportunities that enhance quality of life.” In a related context, Arkab highlighted efforts in the hydrocarbons and mining sector to protect the environment and lower the carbon footprint through several projects, including Sonatrach’s project to plant over 400 million shrubs over ten years across 520,000 hectares countrywide.
This project is set to support the social development of over 10,000 farmers and help create around 24,000 direct and indirect jobs, while also advancing carbon capture and use technologies.
