Algeria plans to bring a large-scale mining and processing operation for iron ore from the Gara Djebilet deposit in Tindouf Province online by April 2026, according to SteelOrbis. The project is overseen by Sonarem, Algeria’s national mining and industrial group. It is designed to process ore at a capacity of 4 million tons per year.
The plant is expected to use advanced ore-crushing and processing technologies. A recovery rate exceeding 85% is anticipated as part of the operational targets. The development is described as intended to strengthen Algeria’s role in the regional supply of iron and raw materials.
Investment interest and technical work on ore quality
Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani said major international companies from the United States, India, and China have expressed interest in investing in Algeria’s mining sector. Interest is focused particularly on the Gara Djebilet project. To support technical development, Sonarem has set up joint working groups with several of these firms.
The working groups are tasked with developing modern techniques for phosphorus reduction. They will also carry out localized technical trials aimed at improving ore quality and processing efficiency. The information was provided in connection with Sonarem’s efforts to advance the project’s technology base.
Processing complex output and planned production expansion
Work is also under way on the first unit of an industrial complex for processing Gara Djebilet ore. The initiative is being developed through a partnership between FERAAL, a Sonarem subsidiary, and Tosyali Algeria. The first unit is expected to produce 4 million tons of iron ore concentrate and pellets annually.
Algeria plans to increase production to 10 million tons per year by 2032. The stated goal is to strengthen the domestic steel and raw materials supply chain. The same plan also references increased export capacity toward Europe and beyond.
Scale of reserves and Italy-linked DRI plant talks
The Gara Djebilet deposit has estimated resources between 1 and 3 billion tons, placing it among the largest iron ore reserves globally. Development of the deposit is described as a milestone for Algeria’s mining sector and its integration into global supply networks.
Separately, Algeria and Italy are exploring joint construction of a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) production plant. The proposal is linked to an estimated €1 billion agreement between Italy’s CEIP Scarl and Algeria’s Copresud. The discussions are presented as reflecting European interest in securing diversified sources of iron and steel raw materials.