Top 5 Mineral Resources in Algeria

With aims to identify key mineral deposits and catalyze new exploration projects, Alegria’s government has launched a number of reforms to boost the country’s mining sector. These reforms include a $32-million minerals mapping project – which the country aims to complete before the end of the year –, revising mining regulations in the country, and streamlining title acquisition processes. Boasting world-class deposits of phosphate, iron ore, zinc, lead and gold, Algeria represents a strategic opportunity for mining companies as global demand for critical minerals grows.

Phosphate

With estimated resources of 2.2 billion tons, Algeria serves as one of the world’s most phosphate-rich countries. Phosphate production in the country has been increasing in recent years, with Algeria producing approximately 671,500 tons in 2022.

Last November, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mining Mohamed Arkab greenlit the development of a phosphate megaproject in the country’s Tebessa province. At a cost of $7 billion, the project includes the development of a phosphate ore mine – with reserves of 2.2 billion tons – and the construction of a phosphate production and processing complex in Qued Kebrik.

Iron Ore

Algeria’s Gâra Djebilet mine in the Tibdouf province is one of the largest iron ore reserves in the world. The mine boasts an estimated 3.5 billion tons of iron ore, of which roughly 1.7 billion tons are exploitable. With an initial production of 2-3 million tons per year, the mine was commissioned in 2022.

Plans are currently underway to increase production at the mine to 40-50 million tons per year by 2040. This production increase will be supported by plans to develop a 1,000km rail line connecting the mine to Algeria’s Bechar province. Algeria’s government announced in August 2023 that it committed between $7 billion and $10 billion to develop the mine.

Zinc

Algeria is also a major producer and exporter of zinc, having produced approximately 900 tons of the mineral and exporting roughly $1.03 million in zinc ore in 2022. The largest zinc mine in the country is the Tala Hamza mine, which is situated in northern Algeria.

Plans are currently underway to develop the mine, with production targets currently set at 170,000 tons of zinc and 30,000 tons of lead. At a cost of $336 million, operations are set to start by July 2026. The contract to develop the mine includes the construction of a 2-million-ton-per-year underground zinc mine and processing plant, production facilities and treatment plants.

Gold

Algeria boasts significant gold reserves, which are currently estimated at 173.6 tons. With six active gold mines and mining operations, Algeria produced roughly 138 kg of gold in 2022, with the Amesmessa gold mine serving as one of the most significant in the country. The mine is home to high-grade deposits – estimated at 748,000 tons of ore – and is capable of producing an estimated 294,000 ounces of gold.

Gypsum

Gypsum is one of Algeria’s most abundant minerals. The resource is found primarily in the soils of arid regions, particularly the Maghreb region of northern Africa, which encompasses the majority of Algeria. Having produced roughly 2.5 million tons in 2022, gypsum is found in high concentrations in the Ziban region in southeastern Algeria.