Algeria is preparing to launch two major projects poised to significantly impact the nation’s economy: the exploitation of the Gara Djebilet iron ore mine and the completion of a vital railway line connecting the southern regions. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune issued directives to the Council of Ministers regarding these initiatives, emphasizing their strategic importance.
The railway project, linking Tindouf and Bechar, is nearing completion. The 950-kilometer line is designed to facilitate the transportation of iron ore from Gara Djebilet. According to the National Agency for Studies and Monitoring of Railway Investments (ANESRIF), significant progress has been made across all sections of the project, with the construction of essential infrastructure and the laying of tracks well underway.
President Tebboune has instructed the Minister of Public Works to prepare for the official inauguration of the Tindouf-Bechar railway line in January 2026. He envisions the event as a national celebration, marking Algeria’s entry into a new era of economic development.
Simultaneously, the President has mandated the commencement of local processing and utilization of iron ore extracted from the Gara Djebilet mine, starting in the first quarter of 2026. This marks a pivotal moment in Algeria’s history, signifying a shift towards economic sovereignty and diversification away from hydrocarbons.
The President has called for intensified efforts to ensure the timely completion of the project in its entirety. The Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of new iron ore processing plants in Tindouf, Bechar, and Naama. President Tebboune has directed that the first shipment of iron ore should reach the Tosyali iron and steel complex in Oran via the railway line, commencing in 2026. This step is crucial for reducing Algeria’s reliance on iron ore imports and achieving self-sufficiency in the long term.
The successful implementation of these projects is expected to have a transformative impact on Algeria’s economic landscape. The Gara Djebilet mine represents a vast reserve of iron ore, and the railway line will provide a crucial transportation link, facilitating the efficient extraction and processing of this valuable resource.
