ALGIERS – The CEO of the Algerian Mining Research and Exploitation Company (SONAREM), Belkacem Soltani that the company’s new development strategy places local processing of mining resources among its priorities.
This statement was made during a speech at a ceremony marking the 59th anniversary of the nationalization of Algeria’s mining sector and the 58th anniversary of Sonarem’s establishment. The event, organized by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy under the theme “Enhancing Mining Resources: Towards Strengthening National Assets,” highlighted the sector’s strategic goals.
Soltani emphasized that Sonarem’s strategic vision rests on several key priorities, with the development of mining processing industries at the forefront. “Local processing of resources is the optimal approach to ensure added value, technology transfer, job creation, and the strengthening of industrial sovereignty,” he stated.
Discussing major projects in the sector, Soltani underscored the critical importance of the Gara Djebilet iron ore project, which aims to bolster the metallurgical and manufacturing industries. He also highlighted the integrated phosphate project in the provinces of Tébessa and Souk Ahras, designed to create a comprehensive industrial ecosystem for fertilizer production, and the lead and zinc mining project in Béjaïa.
Soltani further noted that Sonarem is working to diversify its activities and expand the range of exploited products, particularly those classified as strategic resources with growing global demand. “This presents an opportunity to establish a strong international economic position,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by prominent officials, including the Minister of State and Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy, Mohamed Arkab; the Minister of Interior, Local Authorities, and National Planning, Brahim Merad; the Minister of Industry, Sifi Ghrieb; the Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, Nadjiba Djilali; and the Secretary of State for Renewable Energy under the Minister of Energy, Noureddine Yassaa.
Other attendees included the Secretary General of the General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), Amar Takdjout; the Director General of Algerian Customs, Major General Abdelhafid Bakhouche; the CEO of Sonatrach Group, Rachid Hachichi; the CEO of Sonelgaz, Mourad Adjal; the Chairman of the National Agency for Mining Activities (ANAM), Mourad Hanifi; as well as experts and executives from the mining sector.
