Algeria Advances Brine Valorisation and Strategic Mining Projects in Push for Industrial Diversification
Government reviews plans to transform desalination brine into industrial raw materials while monitoring progress on three flagship mining projects aimed at strengthening economic diversification, resource security and sustainable industrial development.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria’s government has reviewed progress on two strategic pillars of its industrial development agenda—turning desalination brine into commercially valuable raw materials and accelerating the implementation of three flagship mining projects—as it seeks to diversify the economy and strengthen the sustainable use of natural resources.
Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb chaired a government meeting on Tuesday to assess the advancement of the brine valorisation project and monitor the implementation of major mining developments, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting examined initiatives designed to convert brine generated by seawater desalination plants into a source of industrial value, while reviewing progress on the Gara Djebilet iron ore project in Tindouf, the integrated phosphate development project in Tébessa, and the Tala Hamza–Oued Amizour zinc-lead mine in Béjaïa.
Circular Economy and Strategic Resources
The government reaffirmed its commitment to transforming desalination brine from an industrial by-product into a commercially valuable resource as part of Algeria’s broader circular economy strategy.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, brine contains commercially important minerals—including magnesium, lithium, potassium, bromine and sodium—that could support the development of new industrial value chains while reducing the environmental impact associated with desalination discharge.
The statement said the initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to promote circular economy principles by reducing waste and creating new industrial opportunities through the recovery and processing of mineral resources.
Authorities said technical studies carried out by the relevant ministries and public institutions have identified a suitable technological pathway for processing desalination brine, with a pilot facility established at the Corso seawater desalination plant.
The Algerian Desalination Company (ADC) has already launched technical assessments at the site to analyse the mineral composition of brine and evaluate its industrial potential. ADC is also preparing to sign a cooperation agreement with the National Observatory for Environment and Sustainable Development (ONEDD) to strengthen environmental monitoring and support future resource-recovery projects.
The approach reflects growing international interest in converting desalination by-products into strategic industrial resources while limiting their environmental footprint.
The government also reviewed progress on Algeria’s three flagship mining developments—the Gara Djebilet iron ore project, the integrated phosphate project in Tébessa and the Tala Hamza–Oued Amizour zinc-lead mine.
According to the statement, ministers examined advances in the construction of industrial facilities and supporting infrastructure, alongside measures to secure reliable water and energy supplies required for the projects’ implementation.
The three developments form part of Algeria’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy beyond hydrocarbons, expand domestic industrial integration and unlock the commercial potential of the country’s mineral resources through large-scale strategic investments, the statement said.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
