BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Set to capitalize on the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit, construction works for the Béchar steel complex will commence in the upcoming days, according to Mohamed Sakhri Harami, CEO of the state-owned Sonarem group. The realization of the complex, a result of a partnership between Sonarem and the Chinese consortium CMH, is entrusted to the Sino Steel group. It will be erected in the new industrial zone of Toumiat, spanning an area of 3000 hectares, north of Béchar, which is slated to host the construction site.*
Recently, a team of experts from Sino Steel visited Béchar to finalize preparations for the commencement of construction works. “This visit marks the final step before the launch of this large-scale project,” whose completion is scheduled for the year 2026, coinciding with the start of effective production at the Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit in Tindouf, with a production capacity of 20 million tonnes initially, expected to increase to 40 million tonnes by 2040, as stated by the Sonarem group CEO.
The Béchar complex will play a pivotal role in the development of the steel industry in Algeria in the coming years. With an investment of $1 billion, the complex will not only process 20 million tonnes of iron ore, half of the Gara Djebilet deposit’s production, but also undergo a second phase of expansion.
The first phase of the project aims to process 2 million tonnes of iron ore annually, yielding 1 million tonnes of iron ore concentrate. This will be followed by an expansion phase to achieve an optimal capacity to process 20 million tonnes of iron ore into 10 million tonnes of iron concentrate. Besides iron ore processing, the complex will also produce rails, steel profiles, and railway wagons for transporting iron ore from the Gara Djebilet deposit, whose cornerstone laying ceremony took place in December 2023 by the President of the Republic.
To ensure adequate supply to the new Béchar steel complex and other production plants in the northern region, including Tosyali, a railway project connecting Béchar to Tindouf over a distance of 1000 kilometers is underway. This railway line is also an integral part of the overall project to exploit the mega Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit. The construction of this railway project has been entrusted to the state-owned construction and public works group Cosider and the Chinese CRCC, under the supervision of the national agency for the study and monitoring of railway investment projects. Similar to the Béchar steel complex, the railway line is also scheduled for completion in 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for the country’s steel industry.
In conclusion, the launch of the extraction and transformation of iron ore and the revitalization of the steel industry epitomize Algeria’s aspiration to forge a steel-centric future.
About Dzair Tube Media Group
Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.
A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.
The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.
Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.
