A joint coordination meeting between the Algerian Ministries of Hydrocarbons and Mines, and Energy and Renewable Energies, was held Thursday to advance the development of Algeria’s lithium sector. This initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to leverage national strategic resources and foster high value-added future industries, according to a joint statement from the ministries.
The meeting, led by Minister of State Mohamed Arkab, who also heads the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, and Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjjal, focused on practical strategies for developing the lithium sector. The Secretary of State in charge of Mines, Karima Bekir Tafer, and senior officials from both ministries and affiliated institutions were also in attendance. Lithium development is considered a key component of Algeria’s energy transition and the strengthening of its industrial and technological sovereignty.
During the meeting, Minister Arkab presented a detailed overview of the progress in lithium mining exploration projects, particularly the field studies conducted in the Tamanrasset and In Guezzam provinces. He highlighted promising indicators of the presence of this strategic resource and other rare minerals. These studies were carried out in collaboration with the Chinese group Ganfeng Lithium.
Discussions also covered the implementation of the memorandum of understanding recently signed between the Algerian Office of Geological and Mining Research (ORGM), representing the Sonarem group, and Professor Karim Zaghib, an international expert in lithium, iron, and phosphate (LFP) battery technologies. This agreement aims to develop the entire value chain of the lithium industry in Algeria.
Minister Adjjal emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts across various sectors to create a comprehensive national roadmap. This roadmap will encompass exploration, extraction, chemical transformation, manufacturing, battery production, and energy storage. He called for the involvement of national expertise and Algerian experts residing abroad to build a solid scientific and industrial foundation.
Both ministers emphasized that the development of the lithium sector is a strategic pillar of Algeria’s future, directly linked to the renewable energy and electric transportation sectors. They affirmed that this project aligns with the national energy transition goals aimed at reducing dependence on hydrocarbons and diversifying the economy.
