BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, welcomed the CEO of Terramin, an Australian mining company, to discuss the progress of the Talat Hamza-Oued Amizour zinc and lead mine project in the wilaya of Béjaïa. The meeting was held at the ministry’s headquarters and was deemed a success by both parties.
During the meeting, the Minister and Terramin’s CEO discussed ways to strengthen their cooperation and expand it to include other mining projects in Algeria. The Minister emphasized the economic importance of the Talat Hamza-Oued Amizour project, which is a significant step towards the development and growth of the mining sector in Algeria. He also highlighted the potential for job creation and training opportunities that the project could bring to the region.
The Minister stressed the need to promote local mining products with high added value, by installing processing units and prioritizing the employment of local labor. He also emphasized the importance of transferring knowledge and technology to the local workforce. However, the Minister made it clear that the exploitation of resources should not come at the expense of health, safety, or the environment.
The Talat Hamza-Oued Amizour project is a structuring project that will have a positive impact on the national economy and the development of the region. Terramin and the National Agency for Mining Activities (ANAM) have worked together to ensure the success of the project, and both parties are committed to continuing their cooperation in the future.
During the meeting, it was noted that the operating method adopted by Terramin adheres to the rules and regulations set forth for environmental protection while also taking into account the unique characteristics of the mine. This approach was warmly welcomed by all attendees, including Fang Shang, who expressed complete satisfaction with the project’s progress and dynamism. He emphasized Terramin’s unwavering commitment to realizing the project in accordance with its feasibility study, which was approved in compliance with all relevant regulations, and with strict adherence to environmental protection as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
It is worth noting that the meeting was attended by several high-profile individuals, including Manadjim El Djazair, CEO of Terramin, the President of ANAM; the President of the Algerian Agency for Geological Services (ASGA); the CEO of the National Society for Non-Ferrous Mining Products and Substances (ENOF); and the director of the joint Algerian-Australian company, Western Mediterranean Zinc (WMZ). Additionally, the general manager and technical director of Terramin were also present.
Overall, the meeting between the Minister and Terramin’s CEO was productive and promising. The Australian mining company’s interest in exploring future projects in Algeria is a testament to the country’s potential for growth and development in the mining sector.
