L’Algérie lancera l’exploitation du minerai de fer en 2026

Algeria to launch iron ore exploitation in 2026

Gara Djebilet

The President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, announced yesterday, on the occasion of the meeting of the Council of Ministers which he chaired, the launch of the exploitation of iron ore extracted from the Gara Djebilet mine from the first quarter of 2026. According to the Head of State, this event marks a major step in Algeria’s new economic orientation, enshrining the principle of national sovereignty and the diversification of the country’s resources. beyond hydrocarbons.
During this meeting, President Tebboune received a detailed presentation on the progress of work on the Gara Djebilet mine as well as the Tindouf-Béchar mining railway line. After this presentation, he gave instructions to launch “the use and local exploitation of iron ore extracted from the mine from the first quarter of 2026”, stressing that “this event, the first of its kind in the history of independent Algeria, sends a strong message: that of a new economic orientation, focused on sovereignty and the diversification of national resources”.
The President also insisted on the need to “redouble efforts so that this strategic project sees the light of day in all its sections and structures”, recalling the crucial importance of this project for the industrial future of the country. In the same framework, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of new iron ore processing plants in Tindouf, Béchar and Naâma, with the aim of strengthening the local value chain and preparing Algeria to reduce its dependence on imported raw materials.
President Tebboune specified that the first shipment of iron ore would be transported via the new Tindouf-Béchar railway line to the Tosyali steel complex in Oran from 2026.
“Algeria will thus take the first step towards reducing the iron ore import bill and gradually achieving self-sufficiency,” he said. Furthermore, the Head of State instructed the Minister of Public Works to prepare the official inauguration of this railway line, which crosses the desert, in January 2026. This inauguration will be marked as a symbolic national day, celebrating a major achievement of independent Algeria and illustrating the major economic steps taken by the Algerian people on the path to development and industrial sovereignty.
The Gara Djebilet mine, rich in iron and strategic minerals, constitutes a flagship project for the country. Its exploitation and the commissioning of the Tindouf-Béchar railway line represent not only a leap forward for the national mining industry, but also a strong signal of Algeria’s desire to diversify its economy and consolidate its position on the global metals market.
This strategic project is also part of a logic of job creation and regional development. The new infrastructure, processing plants and rail line will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, while boosting the local economy and strengthening national technical skills.
For Algeria, Gara Djebilet is not just a mine: it is a symbol of sovereignty, industrial innovation and shared prosperity for future generations.
Djamila Sai