Algeria’s Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab, Initiates Tala Hamza Zinc and Lead Mine Project
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a ceremony in the Bejaia province on Saturday, Minister of Energy Mohamed Arkab marked the commencement of the Tala Hamza zinc-lead deposit project by laying its foundation stone. This initiative signifies a pivotal step towards harnessing the mineral wealth of the region for economic development.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Arkab provided reassurances to landowners affected by the project, stating that the compensation process for expropriated lands had commenced and was nearing completion. “The process is underway, and we are nearing its conclusion. Landowners will be compensated very soon,” he affirmed.
The Tala Hamza mining project is set to be realized through a collaboration between Algeria and Australia, aiming to exploit the zinc and lead reserves in the deposit. Minister Arkab emphasized that this venture would significantly boost the country’s mining production, fostering economic value. Importantly, he underscored the commitment to environmental considerations and sustainable development throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Minister Arkab highlighted the project’s current stage of implementation, following the completion of all technical feasibility studies and the receipt of necessary authorizations. The strategic partnership with Australia signals a broader global collaboration in Algeria’s pursuit of mining sector expansion.
In addition to the Tala Hamza initiative, Minister Arkab announced the commissioning of two other noteworthy projects in the Tlemcen and Mascara provinces. “The operationalization of the Tala Hamza mine in Bejaia coincides with the commencement of production for the Bentonite production project in Tlemcen, with an annual capacity of 120,000 tons. Another project for calcium carbonate production in Mascara, boasting an annual capacity of 100,000 tons, has also been brought into service,” he declared.
These developments align with Algeria’s commitment to enhancing its mining sector, fostering economic growth, and embracing environmentally sustainable practices.
