Algeria’s mining sector is drawing increasing interest from foreign investors, who—spurred on by the incentives outlined in the upcoming mining law—are setting their sights on the country’s rich subsoil resources.
According to Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani, numerous international companies are already showing strong interest in Algeria’s mineral potential, particularly in light of the country’s vast reserves of iron, phosphate, and gold.
« Major Projects » on the Horizon
Speaking to the official press agency APS, Mr. Soltani revealed that companies from Turkey, Oman, Canada, the United States, and notably China, are eyeing Algeria’s mineral wealth with growing attention. “Our group is preparing to launch major mining projects in partnership with foreign firms, with the aim of maximizing the value of our mineral resources,” he stated.
For Mr. Soltani, tapping into the country’s natural wealth is “crucial,” and must be done through industrial processing and improved governance practices.
Shifting Focus to Industrial Processing
The Sonarem chief also pointed out that the mining sector in Algeria is showing “positive indicators” and, in his view, represents one of the main pillars of the country’s economic diversification strategy. “We must now focus on the local industrial transformation of raw materials into finished products—goods that Algeria used to import,” he said.
In the same vein, Mr. Soltani emphasized that the forthcoming mining law, reinforced with clear and robust provisions, offers legal guarantees for any player looking to explore and exploit Algeria’s subsoil in compliance with international standards of sustainability and accountability.
He added that the new legal framework is part of a broader vision aimed at boosting specialized training, encouraging localized industrial development, and fostering stronger synergies between universities, research centers, and industry players.
Translated by Rym B
