Completion of Bled El Hadba Phosphate Mine Railway Link Marks Key Milestone in Algeria’s Strategic Integrated Phosphate Project

✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | September 4th, 2024 — The Director General of the National Agency for the Study and Monitoring of Railway Investments (ANESRIF), Azzedine Fridi, announced on Tuesday the successful completion of the railway link connecting the Bled El Hadba phosphate mine in Tébessa to the Eastern Mining Railway Line. This achievement is a crucial step in the broader development of the Eastern Mining Railway Line, a strategic initiative designed to interconnect Algeria’s key mining sites with processing and transformation plants across the country.

The newly completed 23-kilometer railway segment, which was launched just a year ago, has been finalized on schedule, underscoring the project’s adherence to its ambitious timeline. The completion of this segment facilitates the efficient transport of phosphate from the Bled El Hadba mine to the processing plants located in Oued Keberit, Skikda, a critical component of the Integrated Phosphate Project that spans multiple regions in Algeria.

The Eastern Mining Railway Line itself is undergoing extensive modernization and expansion. Stretching 422 kilometers from the port of Annaba to Tébessa, this line is a cornerstone of Algeria’s infrastructure development, particularly in supporting the Integrated Phosphate Project. It serves as the main conduit for transporting phosphate and other mineral products to various processing and export facilities, thus playing a vital role in the country’s economic diversification strategy.

Azzedine Fridi emphasized the importance of the newly completed segment, stating, “This railway connection is integral to the efficient transport of phosphate from Bled El Hadba to the Oued Keberit processing plants. It represents a significant milestone in our broader efforts to modernize and expand Algeria’s rail infrastructure, ensuring it meets the demands of large-scale industrial projects.”

Strategic Expansion and Modernization of the Eastern Mining Railway Line

The Eastern Mining Railway Line project is divided into several key segments, each playing a crucial role in enhancing the overall capacity and efficiency of Algeria’s railway network. The modernization, doubling, and realignment of the northern segment, which extends 54 kilometers from Annaba to Bouchegouf in Guelma, are being executed by a consortium of prominent companies, including Cosider TP, Infra Rail, Infrafer Spa, GCB, Cosider OA, and SERO-EST. The project management and oversight responsibilities have been assigned to a consortium of engineering firms comprising SETS-Sétif, LCTP, SAETI, and SIDEM, ensuring stringent quality control and adherence to timelines.

The central segment of the project includes two critical railway lines: a 121-kilometer stretch from Bouchegouf to Dréa in Souk Ahras, and a 30-kilometer extension from Dréa to Oued Kebrit in Skikda. Construction on these segments is set to commence shortly, further expanding the network’s reach and capacity.

In the southern segment, which spans 152 kilometers from Oued Kebrit to Djebel Onk in Tébessa, the doubling of the railway line has been fully completed. This segment was executed by a consortium comprising Cosider TP, SAPTA, Cosider OA, and Infra Rail, with oversight provided by Setirail, SET Sétif, and LTP Sud. The southern segment also includes the construction of a bypass line from Tébessa to Tnoukela, extending over 43 kilometers, and a 23-kilometer connecting segment to Bled Hadba, further integrating the region’s transport infrastructure.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

The Eastern Mining Railway Line is expected to have a significant economic impact, not only in terms of improving the transport of phosphate but also in creating employment opportunities. Once operational, the project will facilitate the transport of over 10 million tons of phosphate annually, extracted from the Bled El Hadba mine. This will support the processing, transformation, and export of phosphate, generating potential revenues of up to two billion dollars per year.

Additionally, the project is anticipated to create approximately 14,000 jobs across the five wilayas (provinces) that the railway line traverses. This will provide a substantial economic boost to these regions, contributing to local development and enhancing the standard of living for the population.

Azzedine Fridi reassured that all segments of the project are progressing in line with the deadlines set by the authorities, with a concerted effort to ensure the railway line is ready to support the start of production at the phosphate processing plants. “This project is not only pivotal for the phosphate industry but also for the broader economic development of Algeria,” Fridi stated.

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