Gara Djebilet Iron Ore: Algeria, China Step Up Strategic Cooperation to Unlock Mining Giant

Gara Djebilet Iron Ore: Algeria, China Step Up Strategic Cooperation to Unlock Mining Giant

✍️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | Algeria is pressing ahead with the development of one of the world’s most significant untapped iron ore reserves, as the Sonarem Group intensifies talks with China’s MCC (Metallurgical Corporation of China) over the advancement of the Gara Djebilet mine in Tindouf.

On Thursday, Sonarem CEO Belkacem Soltani hosted a high-level Chinese delegation led by Jia Ningchuan, Director General of MCC International, with the participation of Reda Belhadj, Director General of Algeria’s National Iron and Steel Company (Feral). The agenda was clear: to cement a joint strategy for processing Gara Djebilet’s iron ore, with a particular focus on reducing its high phosphorus content—a decisive technical challenge in bringing the mine to full industrial exploitation.

A Project of Strategic Depth

At the heart of the discussions lies the creation of joint Algerian-Chinese technical working groups, designed to accelerate on-site testing and deployment of advanced processing technologies. For Soltani, the message was unequivocal: Algeria will no longer accept delays in the development of its mining sector.

“The adoption of modern methods for phosphorus reduction is vital not only to fast-track technical trials locally but also to ensure the mine’s long-term integration into both domestic and international steel supply chains,” he stressed.

With estimated reserves exceeding 3.5 billion tonnes of iron ore, Gara Djebilet represents not just a mining project, but a geoeconomic lever with the potential to transform Algeria into a regional hub for steel production and exports.

Chinese Commitment, Algerian Ambition

For their part, MCC officials reaffirmed Beijing’s strategic appetite for the project, underscoring China’s readiness to co-invest in the technical roadmap, launch preliminary trials, and formalize a permanent joint technical task force.

This alignment, they argued, is critical to “accelerating the materialization of the Gara Djebilet strategic project while contributing to the broader development of Algeria’s mining sector.”

Such a partnership dovetails with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, under which mineral and infrastructure projects are woven into a broader economic and geopolitical framework—while for Algeria, it marks a decisive step towards diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons.

From Domestic Supply to Export Powerhouse

Algeria’s leadership sees Gara Djebilet as a linchpin for industrial sovereignty. By securing a sustainable flow of raw material to feed domestic steel plants, the country seeks to cut imports, strengthen its manufacturing base, and ultimately position itself as an exporter in international markets.

“The mining wealth Algeria possesses is more than sufficient to meet national industrial needs and to position the country as a future exporter,” Soltani emphasized.

✍️ Gara Djebilet is no longer just a dream—it is fast becoming the crucible of Algeria’s new industrial era.

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