Key Minerals of the African Continent: Algeria's Large Zinc-Lead Mine Begins Operation, Achieving Economic Diversification and Reducing Dependence on Oil and Gas

¬ Algeria Launches a Large Zinc-Lead Mine Project in the Bejaia Province

¬ Ore Reserves 54 Million Tons, Target Annual Zinc Production of 1.7 Million Tons

¬ The Project Helps Achieve Economic Diversification, Reducing Dependence on Oil and Gas

Algeria launched the operation of a large zinc-lead mine on Tuesday, marking a crucial step in its mining industry development strategy. Prime Minister Sefri Gheblaa officially inaugurated the mine on March 17.

The mine is located in the Bejaia province in northeastern Algeria, with ore reserves of 54 million tons, of which 34 million tons are directly mineable. According to a report by the Algerian National Mining Research and Development Company (Sonarem), the project is expected to produce 20 million tons of raw ore annually, which can yield approximately 1.7 million tons of zinc and 300,000 tons of lead after local processing.

The project has been awarded to Bejaia Zinc-Lead Company (BZL), a joint venture between Algeria and Australia, consisting of the Algerian National Enterprise for Non-Ferrous Minerals and Useful Substances (ENOF), the Algerian National Office for Geology and Mining Research (ORGM), and the Australian mining company Terramin. The project has an investment amount of 471 million US dollars and is expected to meet domestic demand and generate export surpluses.

Mining Industry Development Strategy

The development of this deposit is part of Algeria's strategy to make mining a key driver of economic diversification. This is the second major project to come into operation in Algeria this year, following the completion of the Gharadjebilet iron ore project in the southwest in February.

Currently, the mining industry accounts for about 1% of Algeria's GDP. The sector is expected to help Algeria reduce its reliance on oil and gas resources.

In June 2025, the Algerian parliament passed a law allowing foreign companies to hold up to 80% of shares in mining projects to attract more investment. The law also simplified administrative procedures, shortened the approval time for mining licenses and mineral rights, increased the transparency of concession grants, and opened geological data.

Source: ecofinagency

Original: toutiao.com/article/1860062356665540/

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