Algeria: Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani Announces Major Developments in Gold Mining and New Foreign Investment Opportunities
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 31st, 2024 — Algeria’s public mining group, Sonarem, is on the verge of a significant transformation, with multiple foreign companies expressing interest in investing in the country’s mining sector, said the group’s CEO, Belkacem Soltani, during a recent interview. Sonarem has received investment offers from various international companies, including Chinese, Malaysian, Belgian, and Indonesian firms, eager to tap into the country’s untapped mineral resources.
Soltani highlighted that 2024 has seen the issuance of approximately 46 licenses for companies seeking to engage in traditional gold extraction, a promising move for the future of the mining industry. Since 2022, Algeria’s national gold production has exceeded 351 kilograms, a positive trajectory that reflects the sector’s growth potential.
Looking forward, Soltani is optimistic about the future of industrial gold extraction in Algeria. He noted that the revitalization of the “Tirak” and “Ammessissa” gold mines in Tamanrasset, set to resume operations after more than a decade of dormancy, is expected to significantly boost the country’s gold output in the coming years.
Regarding the major mining projects underway, Soltani assured that these initiatives are progressing at an accelerated pace, meeting their defined objectives and feasibility studies. Among the key projects are the iron mine at “Ghar Djebilet” in Tindouf, the integrated phosphate mine in El-Hadba, Tebessa, and the zinc and lead mine in Tala Hamza – Oued Amizour in Bejaia. These projects are expected to be delivered within their set timelines, reinforcing the national economy and diversifying Algeria’s resource base.
In line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to accelerate infrastructure development, Sonarem is fully committed to ensuring the success of these large-scale projects. The group has focused on mobilizing both material and human resources to meet the set deadlines, which are critical for the national economy.
In 2024, Sonarem achieved a notable milestone, with exports reaching $200 million, the bulk of which came from phosphate exports, totaling more than $193 million. Soltani attributed this positive performance to the strategic plan set forth by President Tebboune, which aims to reduce imports of mining materials, satisfy domestic market needs, and increase non-hydrocarbon exports.
Looking ahead to 2025, Sonarem plans to launch new projects that will contribute to job creation and the improvement of product quality. One such initiative is the establishment of a fine calcium carbonate production plant in the Bounouara region of Khroub, Constantine, which is expected to generate several direct jobs.
Soltani also outlined Sonarem’s 2025 strategy, focusing on human capital development, with a particular emphasis on attracting specialized expertise in all areas of mining. This strategy also includes training programs for staff to ensure they are equipped with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies in the sector.
A significant component of Sonarem’s future growth strategy is the exploration of new mining opportunities. In 2021, the company launched a mining exploration program comprising 26 projects aimed at identifying valuable mineral resources previously unknown to the industry. Among the discoveries made through this program are rare minerals such as feldspar, lithium, uranium, as well as various precious stones, further diversifying Algeria’s mineral wealth.
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