Algeria’s state-owned mining group Sonarem has announced plans to launch two major iron ore processing facilities in 2026, marking a significant step towards strengthening the country’s metallurgical industry and reducing its reliance on imports.
The announcement was made on 4 October 2025 during a press conference by Belkacem Soltani, the official overseeing the project.
According to Soltani, the first facility is scheduled to become operational by April 2026, while the second, developed in partnership with Turkish company Tosyali, will follow in the second half of the year in the Bechar industrial zone.
The Bechar unit, built by China’s Sinosteel, is expected to produce up to two million tonnes of iron concentrate annually.
Authorities say the project will play a crucial role in supporting domestic steel production, enhancing supply security, and reducing Algeria’s vulnerability to fluctuations in global commodity markets.
“The start-up of the Gara Djebilet mine is presented as a strategic lever to reduce Algeria’s dependence on imports,” Soltani said.
With the commissioning of the new plants, Algeria aims to cover a significant portion of its iron ore demand locally. The partnership with Tosyali will combine Turkish industrial expertise with state support, with the goal of optimizing costs and advancing local technological capabilities. Both facilities will be closely aligned with the launch of operations at the Gara Djebilet mine, also set for April 2026.
Algeria has historically relied heavily on imported iron ore, which has weighed on the competitiveness of its steel industry and increased production costs. Authorities believe that domestic production will not only meet national demand over time but also open the door to export opportunities.
Cooperation with international partners such as Sinosteel and Tosyali is also expected to modernize Algeria’s industrial infrastructure and build local expertise — key steps towards sustainable growth in the sector.
Once operational, the new facilities and the Gara Djebilet mine are projected to become central pillars of Algeria’s industrial strategy, driving economic diversification and reinforcing its long-term industrial autonomy.
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