Workers and machinery at an Algerian iron mine, highlighting China’s role in revitalizing mineral extraction.
Algeria has officially inaugurated a critical railway, built with China Railway Construction Corporation, to unlock its giant Gara Djebilet iron ore deposit in the remote western desert. This strategic project, hailed by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as historic, aims to end decades of dormancy for North Africa’s largest iron reserve, estimated at 3.5 billion metric tons. The mine shipped its first 1,450 metric tons this week and aims to produce 4 million metric tons per year, with plans to scale up to 12 million by 2030. This ambitious project could save Algeria $1.2 billion yearly in iron ore imports. Beyond this, the venture will help Algeria diversify its oil-dependent economy and generate billions in future export revenue by supplying global steel markets.
Business Insider Africa