Algeria’s Gara Djebilet mine set to strengthen industrial sovereignty

ALGIERS, Algeria (MNTV) — Algerian officials say the development of the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine represents a major strategic step toward reinforcing the country’s industrial sovereignty and accelerating national economic growth.

Djamel Eddine Choutri, chief of staff to the secretary of state at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, said the mine’s exploitation will significantly reduce Algeria’s reliance on imported raw materials while strengthening domestic industrial capacity.

Speaking on National Radio Channel One, Choutri highlighted the mine’s vast reserves — estimated at 3.5 billion tons of iron ore — and its high-quality composition, describing it as one of the country’s most competitive mining assets.

He said the completion of a dedicated railway line linking the remote southwestern mine to processing facilities in northern Algeria would resolve long-standing logistical challenges, enabling large-scale transport and industrial use of the ore.

Choutri noted that Algerian factories currently spend nearly $1 billion annually on importing raw materials, adding that securing domestic supplies would directly enhance industrial independence and reduce foreign dependency.

Under current plans, Algeria aims to extract four million tons of iron ore from Gara Djebilet, with the raw material transported to the Bechar processing plant, where it will be treated to meet industrial standards.

During the initial phase, the processed ore will be blended with imported materials used by the Tosyali steel complex, with production operations expected to begin by May.

Choutri said the primary processing plant at Gara Djebilet is scheduled to become operational by the end of May, allowing the regular supply of iron ore to the Tosyali complex and supporting broader efforts to expand Algeria’s iron and steel industry.

Officials view the project as a cornerstone of Algeria’s long-term strategy to develop its mining sector, boost value-added industrial output and strengthen economic resilience.